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In a country as vast and diverse as India, banking isn't just about branches — it's about access. In this episode of Why Not Mint Money, we're joined by Ganesh Ananthanarayanan, COO of ‪@AirtelPaymentsBankIN‬ to explore how technology is not only transforming the way we pay but also expanding who gets to participate in the financial system. With India's digital transactions set to triple by FY2029, we discuss how Airtel Payments Bank is using its 500,000+ banking points, business correspondent networks, and doorstep banking to bridge financial gaps — especially in rural areas. Ganesh also shares real-life stories from the ground, the role of digital finance in empowering women, and what the future holds for inclusive banking in India. Listen to know more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories. 1. Lokpal Clears Ex-SEBI Chief in Adani-Linked Allegations India's anti-corruption ombudsman, Lokpal, has dismissed all complaints against former SEBI chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch. The allegations—based on a Hindenburg Research report—claimed Buch and her husband held offshore stakes linked to the Adani Group. The Lokpal, led by Justice A.M. Khanwilkar, concluded the complaints were based on “presumptions and assumptions” with no verifiable evidence. Buch, who completed her SEBI tenure in February 2025, had strongly denied the claims. With Hindenburg itself shutting shop in January 2025, the watchdog ruled the report could not serve as grounds for a corruption probe. 2. SAIL Posts Q4 Growth, Announces Dividend Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) delivered a solid close to FY25, reporting an 11% rise in Q4 net profit to ₹1,251 crore. Revenue grew 4.8% year-on-year to ₹29,316 crore, with gains led by its IISCO and Alloy Steels plants. The Maharatna PSU announced a final dividend of ₹1.60 per share. SAIL stock, which has delivered a 325% return over five years, gained 13.5% year-to-date despite a 21% dip over the past year. With India's infra buildout gaining momentum, SAIL hopes to carry the steel into coming quarters. 3. US Cracks Down on Global Censorship with Visa Ban In a bold move defending free speech, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has introduced visa restrictions targeting foreign nationals who attempt to censor expression within the US. The policy aims to block those who threaten legal action against US citizens for social media posts or pressure tech platforms to follow global censorship norms. Rubio didn't name countries, but the message is clear: foreign governments trying to police American speech or platforms will now face consequences. “We will not tolerate encroachments on American sovereignty,” Rubio said. 4. TCS Dividend Dip Signals Strategic Shift? Tata Sons has seen its dividend income from Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) drop for the first time since the IT major's 2004 listing. In FY25, Tata Sons earned ₹32,718 crore—₹1,333 crore less than the previous year. While TCS's revenue rose 3.8% to $30.18 billion and net profit by 2%, the payout ratio dipped to 93.9%, the lowest in six years. Analysts suspect the company is conserving cash for strategic investments in AI and tech. Adding to concerns, TCS skipped its usual annual salary hike, citing macro uncertainty. 5. Govt Hikes MSP, Extends Farm Loan Relief Ahead of Polls With elections on the horizon, the Centre has hiked Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 14 kharif crops, with tur dal seeing the steepest rise of ₹450 to ₹8,000 per quintal. The government also extended the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme into FY26, offering farmers loans up to ₹3 lakh at subsidized rates via Kisan Credit Cards. Critics, however, note that the 3% hike in paddy MSP is below inflation. The Cabinet also cleared ₹7,000 crore worth of infrastructure projects, including a major rail corridor in Andhra Pradesh—part of a ₹4.5 trillion push to boost connectivity and cut logistics costs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a sweeping and provocative commentary, today's conversation connects the dots between shifting global trade dynamics under Trump, the weaponization of immigration policy, and explosive claims about the origins of COVID-19. With India aligning on tariffs, U.S. border enforcement militarized, and investigations into Fauci and U.S.-funded research gaining traction, the narrative exposes what the mainstream media allegedly won't cover. From judicial overreach to voter roll controversies in Arizona, this is a no-holds-barred look at the political, legal, and global forces shaping America's future.

To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms.https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc Bajaj Finance: Four Reasons to Cheer Bajaj Finance delighted shareholders with a ₹56 dividend bonanza, a 1:2 stock split, and a 4:1 bonus share issue. The ₹44 final dividend and ₹12 special dividend come on the back of its Bajaj Housing Finance IPO. Financially, Bajaj Finance posted a 16% jump in net profit at ₹3,940 crore and a 21% rise in net interest income. Assets under management grew 26% to over ₹3 lakh crore, with stable asset quality. The company's AGM is scheduled for July 24, and shares are already on a strong upward run. Infosys Trims Trainees, Plans Big Fresh Hiring Infosys laid off another 195 trainees in Mysuru after multiple failed assessment attempts, pushing total layoffs to around 800 since February. While it hasn't confirmed the layoffs publicly, Infosys is offering free upskilling programs via UpGrad and NIIT, along with a month's pay and relocation allowances. Interestingly, even as it trims entry-level staff, Infosys plans to hire over 20,000 freshers in FY26. Shares rose slightly post-results, signaling investor confidence. ALTERRA Bets Big on India's Green Energy ALTERRA, the world's largest private climate fund, invested $100 million into Mumbai-based Evren to power up renewable projects in Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh. Backed by Brookfield's Global Transition Fund II, Evren plans to develop up to 11 GW of solar, wind, and battery capacity. ALTERRA's move marks its first direct investment in the Global South. With India targeting 500 GW of non-fossil power by 2030, and green investments projected to quintuple to ₹31 trillion, the clean energy race is heating up. UltraTech Cement: Bigger, Leaner, Faster UltraTech Cement is gearing up for double-digit volume growth in FY26, outpacing the industry's 7–8% growth forecast. After a muted start due to heatwaves and a real estate slowdown, demand is expected to bounce back. Recent acquisitions—India Cements and Kesoram—are showing early wins, with India Cements hitting EBITDA break-even. UltraTech's capacity is set to jump to 210.5 million tonnes by FY27, boosting its market share to 27%. Shares recently hit a 52-week high, gaining 19% over the past year. Maritime Push: ₹25,000 Crore Fund Cleared India's shipbuilding ambitions just got a ₹25,000-crore boost with the clearance of the Maritime Development Fund (MDF) for FY26. The Centre will contribute around ₹12,250 crore, with major ports and global funds funding the rest. MDF will offer long-term loans and equity support for shipbuilding, port modernization, cruise tourism, and inland waterways. Experts see huge potential for India to grab market share from China, South Korea, and Japan, especially as global trade dynamics shift. Cabinet approval is expected soon.  

Rising tensions on the subcontinent take centre stage this week as Jonathan and Kanthan unpack the fallout from a deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir. With India and Pakistan once again at loggerheads, the hosts explore the real possibility of war and what global powers might do in response. They also dissect Douglas Murray's much talked about appearance on Joe Rogan, the DA's unexpected victory against the VAT hike, and analyse Zelensky's visit to South Africa in the broader context of shifting geopolitical alliances.Proudly brought to you by The Overton Press.Subscribe at ⁠https://overtonpress.substack.com/⁠If you enjoyed this podcast please like, subscribe and share.Thumbnail by Darren De Lange - https://bit.ly/ddlcreates

Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated following a deadly attack in a tourist hotspot in Kashmir, with Indian Prime Minister Nerandra Modi saying he will pursue the attackers to the ‘ends of the earth' after they killed 26 people. With India blaming Pakistan for the attack, retaliatory actions between the two countries have ramped up. India has cancelled visas, excluded diplomats and suspended a landmark water-sharing treaty - while Pakistan has halted all trade. So, what will Prime Minister Modi do next? Could this attack lead to a bigger conflict between these two nuclear armed nations? And how would this affect a world already reeling from wars in the Middle East and Europe. To discuss all this on the latest episode of the Fourcast, Krishnan Guru-Murthy is joined by Manoj Joshi, who spent decades as a journalist in India and most recently advised the government on reforming the security forces, and our Foreign Affairs Correspondent Secunder Kermani. Produced by Holly Snelling, Calum Fraser and Rob Thomson

President Donald Trump has officially announced reciprocal tariffs on the world, sending global markets into turmoil and shaking up international trade. The move is being called an unmitigated disaster with little thought given to the calculation of tariffs or what went behind levying them. Investors are facing heavy losses as volatility and caution take over market sentiment. With India among the affected countries, sectors like auto exports, gems and jewellery, textiles and electronics will be hit the hardest. How will these tariffs reshape India’s trade landscape? How does the tariff salvo sit with the bilateral trade agreement that India is finalising with the US right now?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms. https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started.  State Revenue Deficit Grants Shrink India's states are receiving far less in revenue deficit grants from the Centre—plummeting from ₹1.18 lakh crore in 2021-22 to ₹24,483 crore in 2024-25, with further cuts expected next year. The 15th Finance Commission aims to push states toward financial self-reliance. While overall central transfers to states have crossed ₹9.89 lakh crore in FY25, direct revenue support has dwindled. Strong state tax revenue growth (11.1% in H1 FY25) is helping, but fiscal deficits remain near the 3% threshold. The big question: Can states sustain financial discipline without heavy central backing? Samsung Hit with $601M Tax Demand Samsung Electronics faces a $601 million tax demand from Indian authorities over alleged tariff evasion on telecom equipment imports. Officials claim Samsung misclassified “Remote Radio Heads” (RRH) to avoid 10-20% duties. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) launched a probe in 2021, revealing Samsung imported $784 million worth of RRHs duty-free between 2018 and 2021. Samsung denies wrongdoing and is exploring legal options. This case is part of India's broader scrutiny of foreign firms' import practices—Volkswagen is also under investigation for a hefty back-tax demand. Gold Rally Keeps SGB Investors from Cashing Out Gold prices are soaring, but investors in Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) aren't redeeming. Despite 14.7 tonnes being eligible for early exit, only 0.5 tonnes have been encashed, as many expect prices to touch ₹1 lakh per 10 gm amid geopolitical tensions. SGBs, introduced in 2015, offer an 8-year tenure with early exit after five years. Those who invested in 2017-18 at ₹2,951 per gm are now sitting on a 14.7% annualized return, outpacing Nifty's 13.4%. Some experts advise locking in gains and shifting to fixed deposits yielding 7-8%. Meanwhile, gold ETFs are gaining traction, with assets nearly doubling in a year. Wipro GE Healthcare Bets Big on Local Manufacturing Wipro GE Healthcare has launched a $1 billion investment plan to boost local manufacturing, aiming to produce 70% of its products in India by 2030, up from 40-45% today. The company exports medical devices to 70 countries, with the US and Europe as key markets. While US reciprocal tariffs on Indian medtech are a concern, Wipro GE remains confident, citing its diversified supply chain. The investment will expand R&D, manufacturing capacity, and add a new facility to its four existing plants in Karnataka. With India's medtech sector projected to grow 20-23% annually, Wipro GE is positioning itself for a surge in demand. Indian Defence Stocks Poised for a Rebound? Indian defence stocks have slumped in the recent market sell-off, but analysts see a turnaround as US-India defence ties deepen. During Trump's first term, India gained license-free access to critical US military tech. While a second Trump presidency may initially prioritize US defence exports over Indian collaboration, long-term prospects remain strong. The US-India joint statement in February outlined plans for a 10-year defence partnership, co-production agreements, and an industry alliance for autonomous systems. Meanwhile, India's own defence push is accelerating, with ₹54,000 crore in fresh military acquisitions and a ₹50,000 crore annual defence export target by 2029. However, analysts caution that some stocks remain overvalued, and investors should adopt a selective approach.

To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms. https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started.  State Revenue Deficit Grants Shrink India's states are receiving far less in revenue deficit grants from the Centre—plummeting from ₹1.18 lakh crore in 2021-22 to ₹24,483 crore in 2024-25, with further cuts expected next year. The 15th Finance Commission aims to push states toward financial self-reliance. While overall central transfers to states have crossed ₹9.89 lakh crore in FY25, direct revenue support has dwindled. Strong state tax revenue growth (11.1% in H1 FY25) is helping, but fiscal deficits remain near the 3% threshold. The big question: Can states sustain financial discipline without heavy central backing? Samsung Hit with $601M Tax Demand Samsung Electronics faces a $601 million tax demand from Indian authorities over alleged tariff evasion on telecom equipment imports. Officials claim Samsung misclassified “Remote Radio Heads” (RRH) to avoid 10-20% duties. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) launched a probe in 2021, revealing Samsung imported $784 million worth of RRHs duty-free between 2018 and 2021. Samsung denies wrongdoing and is exploring legal options. This case is part of India's broader scrutiny of foreign firms' import practices—Volkswagen is also under investigation for a hefty back-tax demand. Gold Rally Keeps SGB Investors from Cashing Out Gold prices are soaring, but investors in Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) aren't redeeming. Despite 14.7 tonnes being eligible for early exit, only 0.5 tonnes have been encashed, as many expect prices to touch ₹1 lakh per 10 gm amid geopolitical tensions. SGBs, introduced in 2015, offer an 8-year tenure with early exit after five years. Those who invested in 2017-18 at ₹2,951 per gm are now sitting on a 14.7% annualized return, outpacing Nifty's 13.4%. Some experts advise locking in gains and shifting to fixed deposits yielding 7-8%. Meanwhile, gold ETFs are gaining traction, with assets nearly doubling in a year. Wipro GE Healthcare Bets Big on Local Manufacturing Wipro GE Healthcare has launched a $1 billion investment plan to boost local manufacturing, aiming to produce 70% of its products in India by 2030, up from 40-45% today. The company exports medical devices to 70 countries, with the US and Europe as key markets. While US reciprocal tariffs on Indian medtech are a concern, Wipro GE remains confident, citing its diversified supply chain. The investment will expand R&D, manufacturing capacity, and add a new facility to its four existing plants in Karnataka. With India's medtech sector projected to grow 20-23% annually, Wipro GE is positioning itself for a surge in demand. Indian Defence Stocks Poised for a Rebound? Indian defence stocks have slumped in the recent market sell-off, but analysts see a turnaround as US-India defence ties deepen. During Trump's first term, India gained license-free access to critical US military tech. While a second Trump presidency may initially prioritize US defence exports over Indian collaboration, long-term prospects remain strong. The US-India joint statement in February outlined plans for a 10-year defence partnership, co-production agreements, and an industry alliance for autonomous systems. Meanwhile, India's own defence push is accelerating, with ₹54,000 crore in fresh military acquisitions and a ₹50,000 crore annual defence export target by 2029. However, analysts caution that some stocks remain overvalued, and investors should adopt a selective approach.

It's Friday, March 14th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.  LG Electronics India's ₹15,000 Crore IPO Gets SEBI Nod LG Electronics India has received SEBI approval for its ₹15,000 crore IPO, following Hyundai Motors as the second South Korean company to list in India. The 100% offer-for-sale (OFS) will see the parent company offload a 15% stake, with proceeds not going to LG India. With ₹64,087 crore revenue in FY24, the consumer electronics giant is gearing up for listing amid rising demand for premium appliances. Tata Motors Faces Headwinds as Auto Rally Cools India's booming auto industry is slowing down. The Nifty Auto Index, up 36% post-pandemic, has dipped 25% since September, with Tata Motors losing 33% of its value. The slowdown in Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) sales, tightening EU emission norms, and China's EV shift have hit Tata hard. Its EV market share in India has dropped from 73% to 53% due to rising competition. Despite these challenges, Tata remains bullish on JLR's cash flow, but investors await signs of a rebound. Reliance FMCG Expansion Will Take Time Reliance Consumer Products Ltd (RCPL) is scaling up its FMCG business, aiming for nationwide reach in 3-4 years. With brands like Campa Cola and Independence, RCPL has already taken 10% of the sparkling beverage market in key states. However, success hinges on building a strong general trade network—critical for India's mom-and-pop-driven market. With a target of 5-6 million retail outlets and ₹1,000 crore turnover expected for FY25, Reliance is playing the long game. CG Power's Big Bets on Railways and Semiconductors CG Power is capitalizing on India's infrastructure push, securing a ₹450 crore contract for Vande Bharat trainsets. It's also making a ₹7,600 crore bet on semiconductors, launching a chip assembly plant in Gujarat with government backing. A ₹9,706 crore order book (up 70% YoY) signals growth ahead. Brokerages are bullish—Nomura projects a 33% upside. With India prioritizing infrastructure and high-tech industries, CG Power is positioning itself as an industrial powerhouse. Sun Pharma Expands Oncology Play with $355M Checkpoint Buy Sun Pharma is strengthening its oncology pipeline with the $355 million acquisition of US-based Checkpoint Therapeutics. This gives it access to Unloxcyt, an FDA-approved skin cancer drug with a $500M peak sales potential. Though Checkpoint has been loss-making, Sun sees long-term value in high-margin specialty drugs, which now contribute 18% of revenue. However, with the stock down 11% in 2025, the success of Unloxcyt's launch will be critical for investor confidence.

It's Thursday, March 13th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.  1. Saudi's Riyadh Air Eyes India for Expansion Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia's new airline, sees India as a key market, with CEO Tony Douglas calling it “super important.” Set to begin operations this year, the airline is in early talks with Air India and IndiGo for potential partnerships. Riyadh Air plans to connect Saudi Arabia to over 100 destinations by 2030 and has already partnered with Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and Delta. With a fleet of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and Airbus A321 neos, the airline is tapping into India's booming aviation market, where Indians form the second-largest expat group in Saudi Arabia. Notably, 16% of Riyadh Air's staff are Indian. 2. Estée Lauder, DPIIT to Boost India's Beauty Startups India's beauty and personal care startups are set for a major push as the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) partners with US cosmetics giant Estée Lauder. Through its BEAUTY&YOU India initiative, the collaboration will offer funding, mentorship, and global industry access, with a special focus on women-led startups. India's beauty market is expected to grow from $7.43 billion in 2025 to $9.69 billion by 2034. “This is a first-of-its-kind initiative,” said Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT. With India boasting the world's third-largest startup ecosystem, this partnership could drive innovation and scaling opportunities for beauty entrepreneurs. 3. India's IT Stocks Plunge Amid Growth Concerns India's top IT firms—TCS, Infosys, HCL Tech, Wipro, and Tech Mahindra—saw their stocks fall up to 4.28%, erasing ₹75,414 crore in market value. Brokerages Morgan Stanley, Kotak Institutional Equities, and Motilal Oswal flagged concerns over sluggish IT spending recovery in FY26-27. High interest rates, geopolitical tensions, and vendor consolidation are slowing discretionary tech spending. “We see a transition phase where IT spending is reprioritized, moderating growth,” noted Morgan Stanley analysts. Despite these headwinds, Nasscom projects the IT industry to cross $300 billion by March 2026, implying 6.2% annual growth, though analysts remain skeptical. 4. Gold's Surge Raises India's Sovereign Gold Bond Liabilities As gold prices soar and equities struggle, the Indian government faces rising liabilities on its Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) scheme, which ties payouts to gold's market price. Gold has outperformed equities since 2015, rising 3.46 times its value, while Nifty 50 has declined. ₹2.39 trillion has already been paid under gold-related schemes since 2017, with another ₹1.4 trillion budgeted for 2024-26. With 132,000 kg of gold equivalent set for payout between 2025 and 2032, a prolonged gold rally could strain government finances, making this a key issue for policymakers and investors. 5. Wendy's, Rebel Foods to Open 500 Locations in India by 2028 Rebel Foods will invest ₹100-150 crore to expand Wendy's footprint in India, targeting 500 locations by 2028. The expansion leans heavily on cloud kitchens, which will account for 70% of new openings. Currently, Wendy's operates in 200 locations, with 185 cloud kitchens and 15 offline stores. India's quick-service restaurant (QSR) market is growing at a 23% CAGR, but profitability remains challenging due to inflation and competition. Rebel Foods CEO Ankush Grover expects the IPL season to boost sales. Rebel Foods, which runs over 450 cloud kitchens across India, the Middle East, and the UK, recently raised $210 million from Temasek to fuel expansion.

It's Wednesday, March 12th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.  Govt Plans LIC Stake Sale The Indian government may sell a 2-3% stake in LIC in FY26, subject to market conditions, as part of SEBI's mandate to reduce its stake to 90% by 2027. Instead of a single offering, the sale might be in tranches to maximize value. With a 96.5% holding, the Centre's stake sale could fetch ₹9,500-14,500 crore at current prices. However, with weak market sentiment, analysts believe the government will wait for a recovery. Temasek's ₹8,500 Crore Bet on Haldiram's Singapore's Temasek has acquired a 10% stake in Haldiram Snacks Food Pvt. Ltd. for ₹8,500 crore, valuing the snack giant at ₹85,000 crore ($10 billion). The deal follows a restructuring merging Haldiram's Delhi and Nagpur operations under one entity. The family may sell another 5% stake to Blackstone or Alphawave Global. With ₹14,000 crore revenue in FY24 and a 40% market share, Haldiram's is eyeing an IPO in 24-36 months, signaling strong investor interest in India's growing food sector. Zydus Expands into Medical Devices with €256.8M French Acquisition Zydus Lifesciences is set to acquire an 85.6% stake in French firm Amplitude Surgical for €256.8 million, with plans for a full €300 million buyout. This move marks Zydus' entry into global medtech, focusing on orthopaedics, cardiology, and nephrology. “We aim to build a sizable medtech business in 5-7 years,” said MD Sharvil Patel. With India still importing 80-85% of medical devices, Zydus sees a major opportunity in local manufacturing and global expansion. Fewer Promotions, Modest Salary Hikes in 2025 Employees may see career growth slow in 2025, with promotions projected to drop 25%, per Deloitte. Economic uncertainty, slower revenue growth (4.4% in Q3FY25 vs. 9.1% two quarters ago), and cost-cutting measures are driving this trend. US President Trump's proposed tariffs could further impact key Indian industries. Companies are tightening performance evaluations, and salary hikes are expected to average 9.2% in 2025, slightly lower than last year. Some IT firms may offer promotions without pay raises to retain staff, while Vedanta Group remains an outlier, maintaining promotion levels. IndusInd Bank's ₹19,000 Crore Stock Meltdown IndusInd Bank's stock crashed over 25% after revealing discrepancies in its derivatives portfolio spanning 5-7 years, impacting net worth by 2.35% (~₹1,600 crore). An external audit is underway, but the disclosure has raised concerns over internal controls. The RBI recently granted CEO Sumant Kathpalia just a one-year extension, possibly due to this issue. With a 50% stock decline in six months and stress in its microfinance portfolio, IndusInd faces a tough road ahead to rebuild investor trust.

With India kicking off 2025 with an historic space-docking experiment, and Elon Musk's growing power in the US government raising questions over the future of his spacecraft and satellite companies SpaceX and Starlink, we may be at the dawn of a new era for space exploration.Unlike the 20th Century Space Race, however, it will likely be private companies that cross new mildstones - not public agencies. But who will regulate mining on the moon and tourism in space, and what are the environmental implications? Bertie talks about these issues with D. Raghunandan, Director of the Delhi Science Forum, as well as discussing the positive contributions of the space sector towards climate and environmental science. Further reading: 'Indian Space Sector on a High This Year', News Click, February 2025'Mining the moon for minerals could be worth billions, but astronomers warn it's bad news for science', Business Insider, February 2025'India File: Jostling for position in the space race', Reuters, January 2025'How Elon Musk's partnership with Trump could shape science in the US — and beyond', Nature, December 2024'Donald Trump's approach to US space policy could throw up some surprises, especially with Elon Musk on board', Durham University, November 2024'The dark side of SpaceX's flight of innovation', People's Dispatch, November 2023Click here to read our investigation into the UK biomass supply chain, or watch a clip from the BBC Newsnight documentary.

It's Thursday, February 27th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started. India is in a fierce race to attract investments, with at least 10 states holding investor summits in the past three months. Rajasthan leads with ₹35 trillion in MoUs, followed by Odisha at ₹16.73 trillion and Karnataka at ₹10.27 trillion. Even states with weaker industrial bases, like Bihar and Kerala, secured commitments worth ₹1.81 trillion and ₹1.53 trillion, respectively. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, several states pitched for global investments, contributing to India's reported ₹20 trillion haul. The real challenge? Converting these commitments into actual investments. Even a 50% realization rate would be a success, experts say. Some states have set up tracking committees, but concerns remain that these summits merely shift investments between states rather than drawing fresh capital. Ultimately, execution—through regulatory ease, infrastructure, and political stability—will determine the success of India's investment push. The tobacco industry is grappling with rising leaf prices, squeezing margins for cigarette makers like ITC, which saw a 211 basis-point drop in cigarette EBITDA margin in Q3 FY25. While cigarette sales remain stable, illicit trade still holds 25% of the market. Godfrey Phillips, aided by Marlboro's rising popularity, defied trends with a 440 basis-point increase in operating profit margin to 22.6%. However, speculation of a GST hike to 40% raises concerns of a shift back to illicit trade. With the compensation cess ending in 2026, the government may adjust taxes, keeping tobacco firms on edge. India's small-cap mutual funds are facing liquidity risks as redemption periods stretch. SEBI stress tests reveal that top funds now need over 50 days to liquidate half their portfolios, up from just 10-15 days a year ago. Larger fund sizes and rapid inflows are forcing managers to diversify into mid- and large-cap stocks. Many funds have adopted ‘soft close' strategies to limit new inflows. Despite concerns, investor enthusiasm remains strong, but analysts caution against overexposure to small caps due to heightened market risks. Vedanta Ltd. has secured approval for its demerger into five independent companies, aiming to unlock value for investors. The restructuring, expected by Q1 FY26, includes: • Vedanta Aluminium – A global aluminum player • Vedanta Oil & Gas – India's top private crude oil producer • Vedanta Power – A major electricity generator • Vedanta Iron & Steel – Focused on ferrous products • Vedanta Ltd. – Retaining zinc, silver, and emerging ventures Shareholders will receive stakes in each new entity. Vedanta posted strong Q3 FY24 results, with revenue up 10% YoY to ₹385.3 billion and net profit surging 76% to ₹35.5 billion. The demerger aims to streamline operations and attract sector-focused investors. India is pushing beyond generics to become a pharma innovation hub, launching a ₹5,000 crore fund under the PRIP scheme to boost R&D in drug discovery, medtech, and stem cell therapy. Expressions of interest will open in March, with bids invited in April. The government has allocated ₹4,250 crore for industrial research, offering startups up to ₹1 crore and larger firms ₹100-125 crore per project. With India's R&D spend at just $3 billion annually—far behind the U.S. ($50-60 billion) and China ($15-20 billion)—this initiative aims to bridge the gap. The plan includes Centres of Excellence (CoEs) across seven pharma institutes, focusing on biopharmaceuticals, biosimilars, stem cell therapies, and antimicrobial resistance. Experts say while funding is crucial, regulatory reforms and stronger public-private collaboration will be key to India's success in pharma innovation.

It's Monday, February 24th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started. IndoBevs Bets Big on Innovation IndoBevs, the maker of Bro Code wine coolers, aims to double its revenue to ₹700 crore by FY26. The company is banking on innovation, launching a herbal liqueur, Bonga Bonga, made with 40 herbs and botanicals, along with new whisky brands. IndoBevs, which started as a distributor in 2007, now has 15 in-house brands and exports to the UAE. It's expanding whisky offerings with Enso, a Japanese whisky bottled locally, and Wingman, a premium blended malt launching in March 2025. With India's alcohol market growing at 3.5% annually, IndoBevs is ramping up production, eyeing 2.5 million cases in sales by FY27. Buffett's Record Cash Pile Sparks Speculation Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway hit a record $334.2 billion in cash reserves by 2024, marking 10 straight quarters of growth. While some wonder if Buffett is struggling to find good deals, he remains patient, selling stocks like Apple amid high valuations. The firm has also paused stock buybacks, letting its cash earn billions in interest. Some see this as preparation for Greg Abel's succession, but shareholders remain confident, hoping for a major investment. Buffett reassured investors that equities remain the firm's priority, even as Berkshire's publicly traded holdings dropped from $354 billion to $272 billion last year, while its private businesses gained value. Agentic AI: The Next Big Bet for Indian VCs Indian venture capitalists are betting on Agentic AI, a self-learning technology that automates tasks with minimal human input. Unlike generative AI, which needs human prompts, Agentic AI adapts independently, making it attractive for industries like healthcare and finance. Startups like Innovaccer, CoRover.ai, and Atomicwork are leading the charge, backed by investors like Accel and Peak XV. The market is projected to grow from $5.1 billion today to $47.1 billion by 2030. While concerns remain over AI errors limiting adoption, businesses are increasingly shifting budgets toward automation, making AI agents a potential game-changer in enterprise operations. Indian Bank CEO's Bold Shift to MSMEs One month into his tenure, Indian Bank CEO Binod Kumar is refocusing the lender's strategy—expanding MSME loans while scaling back personal lending. He aims to increase MSME loans from 17% to 20% of the bank's ₹5.2 trillion loan book in the next 2-3 years, boosting overall yield, which stood at 8.92% in Q3. While agriculture and retail loans have traditionally dominated, MSME loan growth picked up to 8.2% in Q3 from 7% a year earlier, while personal loan growth plunged 14%. The bank is prioritizing home and auto loans, with auto lending surging 48% YoY. Analysts see this as a smart risk-management move, reflected in Indian Bank's improved net NPA ratio of 0.21%. Kumar projects 11-13% credit growth in FY25, with a continued push toward high-yielding MSME loans. India's Green Hydrogen Ambitions India is well-positioned to lead in green hydrogen, but high production costs remain a challenge. Sushil Purohit, CEO of Gentari, says round-the-clock renewable power is key to making hydrogen competitive. With costs currently at $5/kg, adoption has been slow, despite government incentives. However, Gentari sees massive potential, given India's abundant renewable resources and policy support. The company is developing 200 kilotonnes per annum of green hydrogen projects and holds a stake in AM Green, which aims to produce 5 million tonnes of green ammonia annually by 2030. With 6 GW of renewable energy capacity in India, Gentari is also setting up a 650 MW round-the-clock green power project to support ammonia production. As costs drop, India's hydrogen economy could take off, reshaping industries like steel, refining, and shipping.

Welcome to The Doers Nepal Podcast, Nepal's No.1 Business Podcast!  Here, we explore the journeys of industry leaders who are shaping global trade, business, and innovation. In this episode, Bhupendra Khanal, CEO of Dogsee Chew, Himalayan Natives, and Khanal Foods, shares his journey from tech to the food industry. After exiting Simplify360, he identified a gap in India's market for Himalayan food products, leading to the creation of Dogsee Chew, now sold in 30+ countries with multiple funding rounds. Bhupendra envisions Chhurpi as a global pet food brand, but challenges in meeting European export standards led him to manufacture in India. Despite these hurdles, he sees Nepal's untapped potential and urges stronger institutional support. With India's pet industry set to be the world's 3rd largest by 2040, he shares how he cracked global distribution, expanded to Japan, and thrived as a Nepali entrepreneur in India, proving that citizenship isn't a barrier to success. This episode is a must-watch for entrepreneurs, pet lovers, and anyone interested in innovation and sustainability.

Kevin Carter, Founder and Chief Investment Officer of EMQQ Global and the INQQ Fund joined Steve Darling from Proactive to discuss India's rapidly evolving e-commerce sector and stock market trends following his recent visit to the country. Carter emphasized the explosive growth of "quick commerce", a disruptive retail model delivering goods in under 10 minutes, which is expanding at over 100% annually. This trend is reshaping India's retail sector, challenging both traditional mom-and-pop (kirana) stores and established e-commerce giants like Amazon and Flipkart. Beyond urban centers, investment in second- and third-tier cities is surging, with mutual fund participation from these regions rising from just a few percent to nearly 20%. India's stock market has shown strong long-term growth, but recent corrections have impacted small- and mid-cap stocks. Meanwhile, retail trading activity has skyrocketed, with brokerage accounts growing from 20 million to 170 million in just eight years. Carter also touched on U.S.-China-India relations, noting that potential policy shifts under a Donald Trump administration could influence global investment sentiment. With India's digital economy rapidly expanding, Carter sees significant long-term investment opportunities driven by rising consumer wealth, financial inclusion, and a tech-savvy population. #proactiveinvestors #hanetf #EmergingMarkets #Investing #Technology #GrowthOpportunities #India #China #EMQQGlobal #TechInvestment #DigitalTransformation #GlobalEconomy #InvestmentStrategies #MarketInsights #KevinCarter #FinancialNews #EconomicOutlook #FutureInvesting #MarketTrends #EmergingEconomies #InvestorTips #MarketAnalysis #InvestmentPortfolio #DigitalIndia #TechBoom #MarketWatch #EconomicProspects

India surrendered the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after seven years following a disappointing campaign that concluded in Sydney. The team unravelled after their loss in Melbourne, and Jasprit Bumrah's absence denied them the opportunity to push for a series-levelling win in Sydney.Is it fair to point fingers at individuals? Or is this a collective failure of the Indian team?Yes, Rohit Sharma was poor both with the bat and as captain. Virat Kohli lacked the spark that once made him a Test cricket great. The two senior batters failed to step up when the team needed them the most.But if we criticise the batters for their failures in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, why should the coaches escape scrutiny?Under Gautam Gambhir, it has been all talk and no action. Why was his coaching staff unable to address the team's technical troubles?With India's hopes of reaching the World Test Championship final now extinguished, is it time to begin the transition process? Should India wait until the England tour in June to make the tough decisions?In the latest episode of the Sledging Room Podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar, and Kingshuk Kusari discuss India's Border-Gavaskar Trophy failure.Tune in!Produced and sound mixed by Nitin Rawat

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, December 24, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.In August, a U.S. federal judge ruled that Google's operations violated antitrust laws, particularly concerning its dominance with Search. India's stance isn't far from that of the U.S.'s. The Competition Commission of India has been actively investigating similar concerns and has already fined Google for monopolizing mobile apps and operating systems. Like the U.S., India's investigations are ongoing and have seen local publishers accusing Google of unfair practices related to ad revenues. Google's Search and Chrome are critical to the company's financial health, bringing in over half of its quarterly revenue and boasting a 68% browser market share globally. Changes mandated by the courts could force Google to rethink its business strategies, especially if it has to stop making Google Search the default on devices, potentially opening the door for more competition. Shouvik Das explains how changes at Google could affect your experience of browsing the net on your phone. As the year draws to a close, it's the perfect time to reflect on some of the standout stories by our team of reporters, writers, and columnists. Explore the Best of 2024 through these curated collections, highlighting the best of the year, Click on the links in the show notes and read on! In 2024, India's housing finance sector saw a significant jump in fundraising, pulling in $826.8 million—a massive leap from $82.6 million the previous year. This surge in investment is thanks to venture capital and private equity firms looking for stable assets amid rising housing demands. Experts are buzzing about the potential of affordable housing finance, especially as it expands beyond the metros into Tier 3 and 4 towns. Apoorve Goyal from Prosus highlighted the sector's growth prospects and low-risk allure, noting that even tech-first investors are now tapping into this market. Nithya Easwaran from Multiples pointed out the solid credit performance of these investments, even during tough times like the pandemic. With India's home loan market projected to grow significantly in the next few years, fueled by urbanization and income growth, there's a lot of action expected in this space, Priyamvada C reports.The thrill of live concerts in India has been marred by infrastructure woes, with recent performances by stars like Diljit Dosanjh and AP Dhillon underscoring the urgent need for improvement. Despite the excitement around shows and willingness of fans to pay up to ₹35,000 for a ticket, artists and promoters face challenges like inadequate venues, poor sanitation, and complex logistics, especially outside major cities. Diljit Dosanjh, expressing frustration, has even vowed not to perform in India until there's significant improvement in the concert setup. The main venues available—grounds, cultural centres, or stadiums—often lack the necessary facilities for high-caliber events. Obtaining permissions and licenses adds another layer of complexity, particularly when using stadiums, as regulatory restrictions often protect the pitches from damage. Pratishtha Bagai and Lata Jha report on how a lack of infrastructure is causing artists to stay away from the stage. The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly tangible, affecting everyday life across the globe. In India, the impacts are stark, with severe heat waves, deadly floods, and persistent droughts making headlines in 2024. The year 2024 witnessed frequent and severe climate-driven disasters, such as the heat-induced fatalities during the Lok Sabha election and the catastrophic landslides in Kerala's Wayanad. Such events highlight a grim reality: climate catastrophes are becoming the new normal, signaling an era of increased instability. The intensification of these disasters is evident, with the Indian Ocean's temperatures rising, fueling more powerful cyclones and altering rainfall patterns, directly impacting agriculture and water resources. Globally, 2024 is set to be the hottest year on record, with average temperatures surpassing the critical 1.5 degrees Celsius mark above pre-industrial levels. Bibek Bhattacharya delves deep into the problem of climate change, staring us in the face as we move on to 2025. Indians are increasingly choosing premium air travel on metro routes, driven by rising aspirations and a rebound in corporate travel. Demand for business and premium economy seats has surged 50-60%, nearly doubling fares within a year, reports Daanish Anand. Business class comprises 5-6% of India's air travel market, below the global average of 9.2%. Airlines like IndiGo and Air India are expanding premium offerings. However, soaring fares—now ₹45,000-85,000 domestically—have sparked concerns about affordability and competitiveness with international travel options. Show notes: 2024: Year in ReviewBest of 2024: Profit PulseBest of 2024: Plain FactsBest of Vivek Kaul in 2024Best of 2024: Mint Money

With India on the brink of losing the Adelaide Test, Sriram Veera joins us from Australia to discuss Day 2 action with Mihir Vasavda and Vinayakk Mohanarangan.Produced by Niharika NandaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

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. You can listen to our earlier episode by Mugdha Variyar on Why dark patterns are under the surveillance spotlight? 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! Check out other interesting episodes from the host like: Trains to Turbines: How India is Harnessing Hydrogen, Is Bajaj Housing's High Valuation Sustainable?, Corner Office Conversation with Antonoaldo Neves, CEO, Etihad Aviation Group, Has ONDC Managed To Take On Amazon And Flipkart?, and more! You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and Linkedin You can also 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Greatest Season That Was - The Final Frontier - Harsha Bhogle: During the last Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia, through the pulsating summer of 2020-21, The Greatest Season That Was pod focused its attention on the relationship between the cricketing giants over the decades, some 20 years from the staggering 2001 encounter in India. There was nobody better to call upon than Harsha Bhogle to paint the bigger picture to begin, speaking here with Adam, Shannon Gill and Dan Brettig. With India soon to in Australia again for the next instalment of this great rivalry, we will be re-releasing the eight parts of this series on The Final Word feed over the next couple of months Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With India's chess masters making history by winning gold medals in both the men's and women's team competitions at the 45th International Chess Federation (FIDE) Chess Olympiad, this week on Game Time, hosts Mihir Vasavda, Amit Kamath, and Vinayakk Mohanarangan trace their journey to the top and discuss why it took India so long to achieve this milestone.Produced by Shashank BhargavaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

With India and Bangladesh set to face off in the 2 test series, Megha & Jarrod discuss the key match ups to watch out for. India are perched at the top of the WTC table while Bangladesh would be buoyant after their maiden series win in Pakistan.Follow us On: Cricket8: https://cricket8.com/ -- Jarrod Kimber: Website: https://www.goodareas.coYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@JarrodKimberYTYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@GoodAreasLiveX: https://x.com/ajarrodkimber-- Rob Barron X: https://x.com/MonsieurJudge-- Megha Sinha Youtube: https://youtube.com/@meghasinha7126?si=VRisxCMpkQbsdZH2Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/45YXPLKiGbwvo2Si/?mibextid=LQQJ4dX: https://x.com/MeghaSinha006-- Machel St Patrick Hewitt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/MC21uXUgCRyhrBsL/

With India set to get involved in a gruelling test season, Megha & Jarrod zero in on the key players. How will the top stars fare? What to expect from the youngsters? Join the duo as they take up these topics.Follow us On: Cricket8: https://cricket8.com/ -- Jarrod Kimber: Website: https://www.goodareas.coYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@JarrodKimberYTYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@GoodAreasLiveX: https://x.com/ajarrodkimber-- Rob Barron X: https://x.com/MonsieurJudge-- Megha Sinha Youtube: https://youtube.com/@meghasinha7126?si=VRisxCMpkQbsdZH2Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/45YXPLKiGbwvo2Si/?mibextid=LQQJ4dX: https://x.com/MeghaSinha006-- Machel St Patrick Hewitt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/MC21uXUgCRyhrBsL/

Once touted as the selection trial for India's men's Test team, Duleep Trophy is back in the limelight this time around. With India set to compete in 10 Test matches in less than four months, the Duleep Trophy could well serve as the perfect appetizer for the fans and cricketers alike to switch into the white-flannel mode. 'Weekly Katta' sees Aditya Joshi and Amol Karhadkar, The Hindu's sports journalist, discuss the potential players whose Test prospects hinge on their performance in the tournament भारतीय पुरुष कसोटी संघाची निवड चाचणी असा एकेकाळी नावलौकिक असलेली दुलीप ट्रॉफी पुन्हा एकदा प्रकाशझोतात आली आहे. येत्या ४ महिन्यांत होणाऱ्या १० कसोटी सामन्यांआधी सुरु होणाऱ्या दुलीप ट्रॉफीला विशेष महत्त्व आहे. कोणाला फायदा होऊ शकतो या स्पर्धेचा आणि का 'फॉल्लो' करावी हि स्पर्धा? पाहूया आदित्य जोशी व द 'हिंदू' चा क्रीडा पत्रकार अमोल कऱ्हाडकर यांनी टाकलेला 'वीकली कट्टा'      ETA: 7pm

With India's 0-2 loss to SL proving to be a wake up call, Rob & Megha look at the options at India's disposal while assessing what the team combination could be come the event in 2025. Follow us On: Cricket8: https://cricket8.com/ -- Jarrod Kimber: Website: https://www.goodareas.coYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@JarrodKimberYTYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@GoodAreasLiveX: https://x.com/ajarrodkimber-- Rob Barron X: https://x.com/MonsieurJudge-- Megha Sinha Youtube: https://youtube.com/@meghasinha7126?si=VRisxCMpkQbsdZH2Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/45YXPLKiGbwvo2Si/?mibextid=LQQJ4dX: https://x.com/MeghaSinha006-- Machel St Patrick Hewitt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/MC21uXUgCRyhrBsL/

In the dynamic commercial real estate landscape, Shiv Parekh, Founder and CEO of hBits, is leading the charge in innovation. Through hBits, Parekh is democratising real estate investment by offering fractional ownership, making premium properties accessible to smaller investors. He highlights the transformative potential of blockchain for transaction transparency and AI for market insights. With India becoming a global front office, driven by high-value outsourcing, the demand for grade-A commercial properties is rising. Join us as we explore these developments and their potential impact on the industry. [00:36] - About Shiv Parekh Shiv is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of hBits. He has earlier worked with City and the Stanford Management Company. He has been recognised by both Forbes and Business World amongst the 30 under 30. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tbcy/support

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, July 2, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:The Indian market's benchmark indices Nifty and Sensex both gained more than 0.5 per cent by the end of the trading session on Monday.In a significant push to bolster the 'Make in India' initiative, the government is considering a Production-Linked Incentive scheme that could transform the railway sector. The scheme—likely to be introduced in the upcoming Union budget—will specifically target the manufacturing of certain railway components that we typically import. Now, what's on the cards? The government is thinking about offering incentives ranging from 5-10% for locally produced products like wheels, axles, and braking systems, crucial for modern train sets such as the Vande Bharat and green trains running on alternative fuels like hydrogen. They've proposed this scheme to last three years with an expected incentive pool of ₹1,000-1,500 crore. Mint's Subhash Narayan reports on the scheme, aimed at making our rail component industry more robust and competitive.Indian investors have been showing unparalleled enthusiasm towards the defence sector–something that was seen post-world war 2 on Wall Street. Since its inception in January 2022, the Nifty India Defence Index has surged nearly 400%, overshadowing gains in other sectors. With India's significant military size and budget commitments to defence modernization, the sector presents a massive opportunity. In the fiscal year 2023-24, defence exports from India reached an all-time high, boosting investor optimism. However, the escalating stock prices have raised concerns about sustainability. Experts like Anirudh Garg from Invasset and George Thomas from Quantum AMC advise caution, pointing out that the sector might be overheated despite its growth potential. Mint's Abhishek Mukherjee takes a detailed look at whether defence stocks can armour-plate your portfolio - in today's Long Story. Private investors are increasingly initiating forensic audits earlier in their relationships with portfolio companies, aiming to identify and address potential financial and governance issues preemptively. This shift comes in response to significant financial losses caused by mismanagement in high-profile startups, leading to a more proactive approach in risk management. Previously, audits were typically conducted after issues surfaced, but now, they're often triggered by early warning signs, enhancing the ability to manage risks effectively throughout the investment lifecycle. Mint's startups correspondent Sneha Shah reports. The first half of the year was packed with big Bollywood releases like Fighter, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, and Maidaan, but even these star-studded films couldn't shake the Indian movie industry out of its slump. Box office collections dropped from ₹4,868 crore in the first half of 2023 to ₹3,000-3,500 crore this time around, also partly because we had almost no new films during the Lok Sabha election for about two months. Particularly, Bollywood's numbers were down by ₹400-500 crore. Despite these flops, there's a silver lining with some smaller films. Movies like Crew, Article 370, and Munjya did quite well, hinting that moviegoers are ready to return to the theatres if the content catches their eye. This shift towards smaller films is pretty stark compared to last year's blockbusters. But it's not all gloomy. Malayalam cinema has been doing surprisingly well, with several hits like Manjummel Boys and Aadujeevitham-The Goat Life easily crossing the ₹100 crore mark. It seems they've managed to rake in nearly 71% of their last year's total in just the first three months of 2024! Mint's Lata Jha brings a wrapup of the first half of the year for India's film industry. The rise of digital avatars or 'deadbots' that allow us to interact with representations of the deceased is stirring both fascination and ethical debates. Companies like DeepBrain AI, HereAfter AI, and Eternime are pioneering services that enable the dead to have a form of digital presence, often inspired by popular media like the Pixar film Coco. The goal ranges from providing comfort and legacy planning to educational purposes, such as allowing students to interact with an avatar of Einstein discussing relativity. The potential of these technologies extends beyond simple memorials. They can perform at virtual concerts, offer family recipes, or guide medical students—almost like bringing the past into the present. Mint's Leslie D'Monte explains what deadbots are in today's Primer. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. Show notes:Wheels, brakes and axles: Vande Bharat's parts makers may get a PLI horsepowerGunning for glory: Can defence stocks armour-plate your portfolio?Forensic auditors at startup doors as edgy investors look to fix issues earlyAt the box office, a dull first half punctuated by small moments of delightMint Primer: AI can make you immortal. What's the problem?

With India amid a national election campaign, its news media is in sharp focus. Until recently it was believed that the sheer diversity of outlets ensured a range of perspectives, but now, India's mainstream media has largely been co-opted by the Bharatiya Janata Party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Just how did the media in India get to this point and what does it mean for the upcoming elections?Featuring:Ravish Kumar - Former Host, NDTVShashi Shekhar Vempati - Former CEO, Prasar BharatiPramod Raman - Chief Editor, MediaOneAmy Kazmin - Former South Asia Bureau Chief, Financial TimesMeena Kotwal - Founder, The MooknayakSubscribe to our channel http://bit.ly/AJSubscribeFollow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/AJEnglishFind us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/aljazeeraCheck our website: https://www.aljazeera.com/Check out our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/aljazeeraenglish/Download AJE Mobile App: https://aje.io/AJEMobile@AljazeeraEnglish#Aljazeeraenglish#News

From growing up in Ambala to building a company with annualized sales of INR 4000 crores!

Deep fake is a real and present threat to humanity. With India's general election round the corner, the government has urged both social media platforms and netizens to beware of such videos. The Ram Mandir is slated to open in January. And in sports, India and South Africa play the shortest match in the history of Test cricket.

With India achieving its biggest haul ever of 107 medals at the Hangzhou 2023 Asiad games that just concluded, it is important to look at some of the good policies that had been put into place many years prior to make this happen. As a nation, India has a lot of potential and its athletes were able to capitalise on some of the government initiatives. Can the Indian society, markets, and government now work together to take sports to the next level? Malathi Renati, who heads the policy school at Takshashila Institution and has played hockey, baseball, and softball at the national level is in conversation with Carl Jaison, program development manager as they look into some of the success factors behind India breaching the 100 medal mark. Do check out Takshashila's public policy courses: https://school.takshashila.org.in/courses We are @‌IVMPodcasts on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram. https://twitter.com/IVMPodcasts https://www.instagram.com/ivmpodcasts/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/ivmpodcasts/ You can check out our website at https://shows.ivmpodcasts.com/featured Follow the show across platforms: Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Gaana, Amazon Music Do share the word with your folksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What was it like preparing Sachin Tendulkar for a press conference? How was it dining with some of cricket's all-time greats? How was it like managing the Indian cricket team on some of the most historic tours in the game? On this special episode of the Sledging Room, get up, close and personal with Amrit Mathur, a well-respected sports journalist who also served as manager of the Indian cricket team for the tour of South Africa in 1992 and several others. Amrit was also a member of PILCOM which was tasked with the organisation of the 1996 World Cup. Moreover, Amrit was also appointed General Manager in the BCCI and the COO of the Delhi Daredevils. Few have seen cricket the way Amrit Mathur has through the many hats he has worn over decades. Not surprisingly, his book Pitchside, is a reflection of the many years spent with the Indian cricket team and the several relationships forged over time. This book is pure pleasure for every cricket fan. It's clean storytelling. There are detailed chapters on India's tour of South Africa in 1992, the 1996 World Cup, the 2002 NatWest Series in England, the 2003 World Cup, the 2004 tour of Pakistan and the IPL. Amrit has weaved the narrative beautifully to engage cricket fans from every generation. With India's World Cup preparation ending on a high, it was a great time to invite Amrit Mathur to the Sledging Room. In the latest episode, we talk to him about his book (a fantastic read) and all things cricket. This is a truly unmissable episode. Tune in! Produced by Anna Priyadarshini Sound mix by Sachin Dwivedi

Imagine a world in which biometric technology empowers the financially excluded. That's the compelling vision Catharina Eklof, Chief Commercial Officer of IDEX Biometrics, shared with us in our latest conversation. As we explored the convenience, security, and peace of mind offered by IDEX's code-based solution, she illuminated the transformative potential of using fingerprints to create a library of data points. Especially poignant was the potential impact on people challenged by dementia, literacy or vision impairments.Biometric payment cards can provide secure, accessible financial services for everyone, especially vulnerable groups. With India pioneering this technology and Mastercard undertaking promising regional trials in Mexico, the future of payments is here. As Catharina explained, it's not just about technology - IDEX's commitment to sustainability and diversity means they're striving to make a meaningful difference in people's lives. Join us for these insights and more, as we step into the future of financial inclusion with biometrics.

Have all boxes been ticked for India or are there still a few questions left ahead of the Asia Cup finale? With India qualifying for the tournament's final, Kaustubh Kumar, Vishal Dikshit and Karthik Iyer discuss the two ODIs over three days against Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

With India's G-20 summit wrapping up, the Chancellor squeezed in one more interview before heading back to the UK. We ask him about the outlook for inflation, the economy, and how he will make the sums work in November's Autumn Statement. Allegations of Chinese spying in the British Parliament made for an awkward G-20 meeting between Rishi Sunak and Premier Li Qiang. We ask former National Security Adviser and chair of the Lords European Affairs committee, Lord Peter Ricketts about relations with Beijing. He also tells us how the Home Office progressing with millions of applications for settled status by EU citizens in the UK. Hosted by Yuan Potts and Stephen Carroll. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With India now the world's most populous nation, providing enough jobs for young people represents a major challenge. Since contracts in the private sector do not offer job stability, millions of young Indians are vying for government jobs like those for soldiers, station masters or teachers. Although salaries are modest, these positions provide a job for life with some added benefits. These public sector jobs are accessible thanks to a yearly exam, but competition is fierce. This in turn has created a flourishing industry of coaching centres, particularly in the eastern state of Bihar. FRANCE 24's Sadia Rao and Alban Alvarez report.

A version of this essay was published by news18.com at https://www.news18.com/opinion/opinion-what-a-difference-ten-years-make-india-since-2014-8559632.htmlI wrote ten years ago on Rediff.com (‘The great Indian rope trick and other illusions of progress' https://www.rediff.com/news/column/the-great-indian-rope-trick-and-other-illusions-of-progress/20130716.htm) about how the average Indian is satisfied with illusion, never mind real progress. That made India a Potemkin State, where form is everything and substance is immaterial. It turns out that I was wrong: Indians do want actual progress. I might be pardoned for saying what I said then because the country was at the fag-end of the Lost Decade, 2004 to 2013, wherein things deteriorated steadily. Decline had been par for the course throughout the Nehruvian-Stalinist decades of dirigisme. Conversely, there has been noticeable change in 2014-2023.Apart from mis-steps in economic management, the political environment was also dicey. There was the appalling spectacle of a constitutional coup, as I noted at the time (‘Four ways the Congress won power by Constitutional coups' https://www.rediff.com/news/column/column-rajeev-srinivasan-4-ways-the-congress-won-power-through-constitutional-coups/20140107.htm): by colluding with the Communist Speaker in the cash-for-votes scam, the Congress clung on to power violating democratic norms. We see the same recklessness today in the US (“Let's jail the leading opposition candidate”) and in Germany (“One party is getting too popular, let's ban it”). It does not bode well. The New York Times, on August 21, 2023 ran the striking headline, “Elections Are Bad for Democracy” before changing it to “The Worst People Run for Office. It's Time for a Better Way”. Yes, democracy is too important to leave to the people. Let us elites tell them what to think. The most striking example of this uncaring State, the very nadir of its contempt for the man in the street, was the length of the chain anchoring the mug in the loo in railway compartments: just three inches too short, thus shattering the illusion that you could actually clean your bottom.  A daunting prospect for any traveler, especially because of the overwhelming stink, and a world of difference from Japan's shinkansen and their amazing high-tech loos.Recently I traveled in several train compartments, including ancient Jan Shatabdi chair cars and newish Hamsafar sleeper coaches, although, alas, not in Vande Bharat coaches yet; but I was surprised at how much better the toilets were. The ‘bio toilet' means human feces are not dumped on the tracks; they do not smell terrible, and, wonder of wonders, there is a hygiene hose/bidet that is actually long enough to do the deed.And, perhaps redundantly, the chain for the mug has been lengthened. And there is water! It is hard to explain to a non-Indian what a difference all this makes. I had a cousin who denied herself food and drink while traveling by train just so she could avoid the toilet. It is a sea-change when you are granted a little self-respect. I am reminded of the placard held by a man at a Martin Luther King rally: “I am a man”. Yes, the proverbial average Indian aam admi is a human who deserves consideration: not only Lutyens and Khan Market types.I am sorry to talk about a cringe-making topic like toilets, but this is something earthy and immediately understandable; it makes the point that India is, 76 years after the imperialists left and brown sahebs took over, finally on the march. Indians are beginning to see that they can demand respect from their rulers, and get it. Dignity, that watchword of the butler Stevens in Kazuo Ishiguro's brilliant The Remains of the Day.In a penetrating 1997 essay, “India shouldn't have fantasies about the past, but face it” (https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/from-the-archives-1997-v-s-naipaul-india-shouldn-t-have-fantasies-about-the-past-but-face-it-1988599-2022-08-16) Sir V S Naipaul mentioned that those who have been oppressed and denigrated for centuries are now rising, and this rise will be messy. He was talking about those outside the charmed circle that ruled the country for long. It is also broader: the rise of the Other Backward Communities, that uncharming name for the majority of Indians, the bahujan. Naipaul also said that the rulers will now of necessity be of the people, not overlords. It can be argued that for over a thousand years, Indians have been effectively ruled by a comprador ‘elite', middlemen who did the dirty work on behalf of invaders or distant rulers. It is my suspicion that the zamindars and other local strongmen were largely from the upper or middle jatis, and it is only now that those from the bottom of the pyramid are finally getting a say in things. No, this is not a jati-bashing exercise, and I may be extrapolating from my observations in Kerala, where a middle jati, Nairs, were the kulaks who lorded it over those below them in the hierarchy, such as OBC Ezhavas, SC Pulayas, and ST Mala-arayans. The latter are now rising, though not in full measure, yet. I think it's similar in Tamil Nadu, too. In the Soviet Union, Stalin liquidated the kulaks. In India, their eclipse has come about too late, though without violence. The usual woke Lutyens/Khan Market suspects were disappointed they couldn't chortle about Chandrayaan-3 being yet another expensive failure a poor country could ill afford, echoing Brits upset that their alleged ‘aid' was going to India (in reality, as per the UK Foreign Office, India politely declined any charity from them starting 2015; any money coming to India from the UK is foreign direct investment (FDI), or strictly in support of their geopolitical objectives, channeled via dubious NGOs or missionaries).The ‘wokes' also grumbled about ISRO engineers going to Tirupati and invoking the blessings of the Divine for their project. I am glad they got a munh thod jawab. There really is no dichotomy in Hindu thought between science and faith: science too requires faith and belief.The ‘wokes' have reason to be worried, not only by the picture-perfect moon landing, but also by Praggnaanandhaa, who almost unseated the reigning World Champion in chess; Neeraj Chopra, who won the World Athletic Championship in javelin to go with his Olympic gold; the 4x400 relay quartet with their heroics of almost defeating the Americans in the heats while setting an Asian record; and Vivek Ramaswamy, who is unabashedly Hindu and at the same time a patriotic American and a force to contend with in the Republican party in the US.Even though they haven't been defenestrated, except perhaps some unfortunate folks at Ashoka University, India's Left are less and less relevant: relics of a failed ideology. They should count their lucky stars: in Singapore, Lee Kwan Yew liquidated them. And indeed, even in the US, the ‘woke' capital of the world, their star is setting. There is another reason I brought up toilets: the unseemly obsession that westerners have with them. I was delighted to see this cartoon on Twitter, and it is obviously a parody of the earlier one in the sadly overrated New York Times, below.While the racist derision of the original cartoon, and the celebration of the be-jasmined and be-bindi'd women in Indian engineering are the obvious takeaways, I was intrigued by a detail: the white guy in the cartoon is dragging a shopping-cart full of toilet paper behind him! I am not sure why toilet paper is some kind of atavistic guilty pleasure for westerners. Despite being purely climate-related (they could not afford to melt ice and snow just to wash their bottoms, or for that matter their hands, thus cutlery), toilet paper has become a cultural staple for them. You might remember the hoarding of toilet paper in the early days of covid! It's time westerners abandoned killing trees, and went for the more healthy bidet-like health faucet. For that matter, the squat in Indian closets is apparently better than the sitting posture on a western ‘thunder-box'. Recently while traveling in the Czech Republic, I stayed in a (fancy) hotel that had a bidet: such a relief! May their tribe increase!Of course, some things never change. This was demonstrated in two ways: the thinly-veiled envy from the British that manifested itself in their assertion that an India full of open defecation shouldn't be spending on space research, and The Economist magazine in their recent obituary of Bindeswar Pathak repeatedly emphasizing caste discrimination and manual scavenging. These are vestiges of the past, and mostly due to the $10 trillion (or $45 trillion depending on whom you ask) that the Brits looted, impoverishing India. But then, who's counting?Oh, you want to talk about open defecation? Once-beautiful San Francisco is now the champion, while India has built large numbers of indoor toilets all over the country. See the ‘poop map' of San Francisco here (https://mochimachine.org/wasteland/# ).One thing that has definitely changed in the last ten years is the amount of Hindu-hatred expressed in the West, particularly America. The California caste Bill, Equality Labs, Audrey Truschke, and the latest, tech journo Kara Swisher's racist attack on Vivek Ramaswamy, are all related to the fact that Hindus have quietly become one of the most economically successful (but politically powerless) groups in the US. It is really a back-handed compliment, happily cheered on by rogues from the “Chindu” stable or similar. Caste is the weapon.Hindus tend to be defensive about caste. We shouldn't be. Caste is really a white invention, from the Portuguese casta, intended to segregate mixed-race people based on how white they are, half, quarter, one-eighth, etc: thus mulatto, quadroon, octroon, etc. It is their cross to bear. There is an ocean of difference between this caste business and jatis, but I digress..Besides, there are de facto castes in the US: the investment banker caste, the doctor caste, the lawyer caste, the management consultant caste, etc. They all go to the same tony prep schools, the same Ivy League colleges (legacy admissions mean you easily get into Harvard, if your parent(s) went to Harvard, regardless of your grades. Raj Chetty has published reams of data about this); they are endogamous; and they all miraculously end up at Goldman Sachs or McKinsey. An outsider can't break in. These castes are also Lindy (ask Nassim Taleb).Perhaps, taking a cue from other groups that have prospered, Hindus (and Indian Americans in general) are becoming ‘white', like others have before them. Irish, Italians, Jews, Japanese, Koreans, Chinese: there is a long list. ‘Whiteness' is a construct. I was flabbergasted decades ago when a well-meaning white guy said, “You guys are almost white”. I stuttered: “But, but… we are brown!”. If you have money, you pretty much become white. I give it another ten years. With India's GDP at $10 trillion, and more Hindu-Americans creating unicorns, I bet by 2034 Hindus will be ‘white'. Maybe Vivek is the first white Hindu. I am not making a value judgment, merely making a prediction. You heard it here first.1800 words, Aug 29, 2023, updated Sep 10, 2023 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rajeevsrinivasan.substack.com

With India landing its Chandrayaan-3 on the moon's south pole, the sun's understudy is back in the public eye after far too long. Ben and Barry welcome the little rock's return with an exploration of past moon landings. Tales include Diogenes' ideas of an early moon mission, what songs harmonise with the moon and what to find in "The Toss Zone". Follow us on Twitter: @worstfoot @bazmcstay @VanderLaugh Follow us on Instagram: @worstfoot  Join us on our Discord server! https://discord.gg/9buWKthgfx Visit www.worstfootforwardpodcast.com for all previous episodes and you can donate to us on Patreon if you'd like to support the show during this whole pandemic thing, and especially as we work on our first book and plan some live shows! https://www.patreon.com/WorstFootForward Worst Foot Forward is part of Podnose: www.podnose.com

On June 22, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his first official state visit to the United States. And if his visits to Australia last month, to Canada in 2015 and to Texas in 2019 are any indication, he'll be given a rockstar welcome.U.S. President Joe Biden has already joked that he wants Modi's autograph because so many people want to see the Indian PM while he's in the United States.Of course, Modi has his critics too, who point to the populist leader's far-right policies and human rights abuses.Yet, as the prime minister of the world's largest democracy, Modi remains one of the world's most popular leaders - not just at home, but among the tens of millions who make up the global South Asian diaspora.Last week, perhaps in an acknowledgement of the power of the South Asian diaspora on Indian elections, the former leader of the opposition, Rahul Gandhi, also visited the United States.In the latest episode of Don't Call Me Resilient, we are asking how important is that diaspora? With India having one of the highest remittance rates in the world, how much does overseas support contribute to Modi's popularity and success? And what kind of an impact could a progressive element of that diaspora have on Indian politics?Anjali Arondekar joins the podcast to sift through all this. She is a professor of feminist studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz. She is also the founding co-director of the university's Center for South Asian Studies which hosted a discussion last week with Rajiv Gandhi.ResourcesNarendra Modi's First State Visit to the US Has Both National and Global Implications (The Wire)The Modi Question (BBC) A Defeat for Modi's Party in South India Heartens His RivalsIndian politician boasts about getting Muslims killed – on camera (Al Jazeera)The Network of Hindu Nationalists Behind Modi's Diaspora Diplomacy in the U.S. (The Intercept)From the archives - in The ConversationRead more: India's new citizenship act legalizes a Hindu nationRead more: Trump and Modi: birds of the same feather, but with different world viewsRead more: Just who is Narendra Modi, India's man of the moment?Read more: How the conservative right hijacks religionRead more: Narendra Modi has won the largest election in the world. What will this mean for India?Listen and FollowYou can listen to or follow Don't Call Me Resilient on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.We'd love to hear from you, including any ideas for future episodes. Join The Conversation on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok and use #DontCallMeResilient.Thank you to Sanjay Ruparelia, Jarislowsky Democracy Chair at TMU and Kalpana Jain, Senior Religion Editor at TCUS who contributed to this episode.

While trapping Trump, is the American Deep State destroying the democratic consensus that has endured for nearly 250 years? Will it stop there or become more ambitious and aim at Modi, its real bete noire? With India's firm stand on Ukraine, and moves towards de-dollarisation and looking West in the face, French Club and Americans both have a grouse. Vibhuti Jha and Aarti Tikoo join Sanjay Dixit to discuss.

With India preparing to host the G20 later this year, government agencies are expected to spend an estimated $180 million to fix infrastructure and beautify public spaces in the capital New Delhi. But there are growing concerns that shelters used by millions of migrant workers could be destroyed in the process.

With India now at helm of the G20 and a summit set for New Delhi in September, the South Asian nation is stepping up its star power on the international stage. Harvard Business School's Prof. Tarun Khanna, also director of Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute, speaks with Doorstep co-hosts Nick Gvosdev and Tatiana Serafin about why the world needs to recognize this Indian moment—and how this time it will stick. Khanna also explores American's doorstep connection to India and why this will continue to be a source of strength in the U.S.-India relationship. For more, please go to carnegiecouncil.org. 

With India assuming its G20 presidency, it has drawn flak from the Opposition, calling it the BJP's attempt to sort of portray the presidency as this government's achievement. This is in context to several foreign diplomats of other G20 nations visiting the cell of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. How should the criticism be viewed? Geeta Mohan and Anna Priyadarshini discuss this and more in Geeta's World. Tune in!

Recently, several independent outlets reported that the #indianmilitary  could be running out of critical weapons and equipment due to imposed restrictions. It was estimated that India would be left critically short of high-performance helicopters by 2026 and combat jets by 2030, amongst other important assets for #nationalsecurity . That claim was further reinforced when, recently, the Indian Army invited the defence industry to offer critical equipment for emergency procurement.In the two years between August 2020 to August 2022, India promulgated four Positive Indigenisation Lists - defence weapons and equipment, which can not be imported from abroad. With India's domestic defence industry still nascent, the world's biggest defence importer isn't manufacturing enough weapons locally and official rules are blocking imports. Considering that in the last two decades, India has spent close to 54 billion USD on defence related imports, primarily #russianarmy  , has India ill-timed its self-reliance mission in the context of global geopolitical realities and the restive borders with China and Pakistan?That claim may be disputed as India's efforts to ‘unleash the energy' of the Make-in-India initiative in the defence sector have now begun to show results. In the last five years, India's defence related exports have grown by a massive 334% and the country now exports to over 75 countries. For the first time, the Indian defence industry now has a global presence as part of the supply chain. The innovation ecosystem developed under the iDEX programme, Make2 and DRDO programmes have garnered global attention. However, India still stands vulnerable during this period of transition, until its domestic industry fully matures as a competent global innovator.To understand whether “India's defence import ban is a good move?” eminent experts join Argumentative Indians in a LIVE discussion. Explore More at - www.argumentativeindians.comDISCLAIMER:We invite thought leaders from across the ideological spectrum. The guests in our sessions express their independent views and opinions. Argumentative Indians does not profess to subscribe, agree or endorse the same or be in anyway responsible for the stance, words and comments of our guests.

Following the Honiara riots in November 2021, the Chinese Communist Party has pushed false narratives in coordinated information operations in an attempt to shape Solomon Islands public perception and to undermine the country's relationships with Australia and the United States. To discuss this, David Wroe speaks to Blake Johnson, lead author of ASPI's latest report on the CCP's information operations in Solomon Islands ‘Suppressing the truth and spreading lies'. With India's Foreign Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar due to visit Australia in the coming days, Baani Grewal asks Professor Ian Hall for his assessment on how India sees its relationship with Australia and the role of Foreign Minister Jaishankar in shaping Australia-India relations. They also discuss India's relationship with China and Russia, including Modi's comments to Putin at the recent SCO Summit. Recently, it was reported that the Australian Government would repatriate Australian families of Islamic State members from Syria. 16 women and 42 children have been held in Syria for over three years since the collapse of ISIS in March 2019. Olivia Nelson speaks to Katja Theodorakis about the risks associated with bringing the women and children home, and risks of leaving them there, and how international partners are approaching this challenge. Mentioned in this episode: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/suppressing-truth-and-spreading-lies Guests (in order of appearance): David Wroe: @davidwroe (Twitter) Blake Johnson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/blake-johnson Baani Grewal: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/baani-grewal Dr Ian Hall: https://www.griffith.edu.au/griffith-business-school/departments/government-international-relations/contact-us/ian-hall Olivia Nelson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/olivia-nelson Katja Theodorakis: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/katja-theodorakis

Rising costs and a volatile world market means farmers need to make significant decisions about how they plan ahead when planting crops. With India suffering from a blazing heatwave, its' government has now decided to temporarily halt exports of wheat as its supplies come under pressure, which has caused wheat prices worldwide to jump. And the war in Ukraine is also affecting prices. As a major producer of sunflower oils, disruption to supplies means the price of oil seed rape has seen a big increase. And this week we're talking about staff shortages in the vet industry, and the mental health challenges vets are facing. Presented by Anna Hill and produced for BBC Audio by Caitlin Hobbs

Location: Remotely Date: Thursday 18th Feb Company: Abra Role: Founder & CEO In the last week, bitcoin broke $50,000 for the first time, a significant milestone, helped by corporate adoption. Tesla's $1.5bn bitcoin buy was a watershed moment. Still, it would likely not have happened without MicroStrategy, who themselves announced this week that they would be raising another $900 million to acquire more bitcoin. Using Bitcoin as a corporate treasury asset is only expected to grow, with some bitcoiners suggesting that as many as half the S&P500 will hold bitcoin in their balance sheet before the end of 2021. The next logical step after corporate adoption of Bitcoin is the nation-state. With India looking to ban Bitcoin, it is clear there is still a large amount of scepticism from nation-states. However, the first country to embrace Bitcoin will likely see the same benefits as MicroStrategy did. In this interview, I talk to Bill Barhydt, the CEO and Founder of Abra. We discuss what $50k bitcoin means, increasing corporate adoption and which nation-state will be the first to embrace Bitcoin.