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On Episode 791 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Abhishek Bisen, Head of Fixed Income, Kotak Mahindra AMC as well as Ajay Srivastava, Founder at Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). We also feature testimonials from attendees at our recent exclusive roundtable discussion.SHOW NOTES(00:00) Stories of the Day(00:41) Why markets have to reckon with two powerful forces(07:11) Why are the bond markets so volatile?(16:17) How will the India-US trade deal as we know it actually pan out?(25:33) Walmart crosses the $1 trillion mark(26:58) Blockchain and DPDP ActRegister for India Finance and Innovation Forum 2026https://tinyurl.com/IFIFCOREFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter |Instagram |Facebook |Linkedin |Youtube
On Episode 790 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Gaurang Shah, Senior VP, Geojit Financial Services as well as Krishan Arora, Partner and Indirect Tax National Leader at Grant Thornton Bharat LLP.SHOW NOTES(00:00) The Take(04:02) Markets zoom on India-US trade deal but could the fine print put a damper?(04:48) Why the Rupee’s revival may be in question.(05:27) Brokerages are upselling gold and silver to fresh highs despite the carnage of last week.(14:10) GCCs could employ 2.8 million in 4 years time.(15:40) Could the India-US deal revive sentiment and investments beyond stock markets?(24:29) Disney bets on its theme park head for CEO.Register for India Finance and Innovation Forum 2026https://tinyurl.com/IFIFCOREFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter |Instagram |Facebook |Linkedin |Youtube
On Episode 789 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Prasanna Tantri, Associate Professor of Finance and the Executive Director of the Centre for Analytical Finance at the Indian School of Business (ISB) as well as Rajesh Sinha, Independent Director at Sahyadri Farms.SHOW NOTES(00:00) Stories of the Day(00:50) India-US Trade Deal Finalised(02:41) The markets are up again but all eyes on metals(05:23) The gold and silver story(10:47) Oil prices dip after Trump says he will talk to Iran.(11:47) What are the top level Budget numbers looking like?(20:50) India’s farmers can seize the FTA opportunity but there is work to do.Register for India Finance and Innovation Forum 2026https://tinyurl.com/IFIFCOREFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter |Instagram |Facebook |Linkedin |Youtube
On Episode 788 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Gautam Khattar, Principal Price Waterhouse & Co LLP, Uday Ved, Partner at KNAV as well as Jairaj Purandare, Chairman of JMP Advisors in an excerpt from an extensive discussion (Available here on our youtube channel). Our reporters were also on the ground to gather responses to the Union Budget 2026 from industry leaders.SHOW NOTES(00:00) The Take(04:21) A Sharp Correction(06:32) The Big Infrastructure Push(08:39) Responses to the Union Budget from Industry Leaders(14:53) Tax and the Union BudgetRegister for India Finance and Innovation Forum 2026https://tinyurl.com/IFIFCOREFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter |Instagram |Facebook |Linkedin |Youtube
On Episode 787 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Ajay Kedia, Director at Kedia Commodities, Himanshu Sinha, Head of Tax Practice at Trilegal as well as Shankkar Aiyar, veteran economic journalist and author.SHOW NOTES(00:00) Stories of the Day(00:50) Fear is driving up gold and silver prices even as the dollar stays weak.(05:09) India is an oasis of macro stability says India’s economic survey(10:39) Gold demand is set to fall because of subdued jewellery purchases.(15:56) Will the Union Budget address the fallout of the Supreme Court’s decision to deny tax treaty benefits in the Tiger Global case?Register for India Finance and Innovation Forum 2026https://tinyurl.com/IFIFCOREFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter |Instagram |Facebook |Linkedin |Youtube
On Episode 786 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Dr. Ajit Ranade, Economist and Former Vice Chancellor of Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics in Pune as well as Ashok Atluri, Chairman and Managing Director at Zen Technologies.SHOW NOTES(00:00) Stories Of The Day(01:00) It's the worst start to a year in a decade, will it shift?(05:03) Gold now clearly represents the hedge to an uncertain global economy(07:51) A macro view on the Union Budget(16:31) India’s anti-drone systems are gearing up for battle(24:50) Why a toilet company is benefiting from the chip maniaRegister for India Finance and Innovation Forum 2026https://tinyurl.com/IFIFCOREFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter |Instagram |Facebook |Linkedin |Youtube
On Episode 785 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Sanjay Notani, Partner, Economic Laws Practice as well as Krishan Arora, Partner and India Investment Advisory Services Leader at Grant Thornton Bharat. We also feature an excerpt from our India Energy Week interview featuring Energy Expert Anas Alhajji.SHOW NOTES(00:00) The Take(03:14) The markets struggle to make up their mind(06:41) A landmark EU India deal is in place, what will it really deliver?(16:23) How India moved rapidly away from Russian oil amidsts global oil dynamics(23:37) Why there is a need for a customs amnesty schemeRegister for India Energy Week 2026https://www.indiaenergyweek.com/forms/register-as-a-delegateRegister for India Finance and Innovation Forum 2026https://tinyurl.com/IFIFCOREFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter |Instagram |Facebook |Linkedin |Youtube
On Episode 784 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Chakri Lokapriya, Chief Investment Officer at LGT Wealth Management as well as Ajay Rotti, Founder and CEO of Tax Compaas. We also feature an excerpt from our India Energy Week interview featuring Sanjay Khanna, Director (Refineries) with additional charge of Chairman and Managing Director at BPCL.SHOW NOTES(00:00) The Take(04:02) Gold prices cross $5,100 as the relentless rise continues(16:13) Will the markets get the breather they want from the EU FTA?(18:23) Refining major BPCL’s safety push for consumers.(24:09) Why tax changes in the Budget seem unlikely.Energy Special with Sanjay Khanna, Director (Refineries) with charge of CMD at BPCLRegister for India Energy Week 2026https://www.indiaenergyweek.com/forms/register-as-a-delegateRegister for India Finance and Innovation Forum 2026https://tinyurl.com/IFIFCOREFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter |Instagram |Facebook |Linkedin |Youtube
Oil surplus or illusion is the question shaping energy market forecasts for 2026, and this episode explains why the answer may not be what most expect.In this India Energy Week 2026 special episode of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj speaks with Energy Expert Anas Alhaji on why forecasts of a massive oil surplus in 2026 may be deeply misleading. Drawing on data, trade flows, and geopolitical realities, the conversation challenges widely cited projections from agencies and financial institutions.The discussion explains why repeated predictions of collapsing oil prices have failed to materialise, despite claims of excess supply. It examines how oil in transit, inventory accounting, strategic petroleum reserves, and shifting global trade routes have distorted the surplus narrative. From Brazil and Kazakhstan to China, Venezuela, and the United States, the episode shows how headline numbers often mask what is actually happening in the oil market.The conversation also looks ahead from an Asia and India perspective. Topics include India’s oil imports, sanctions and geopolitics, Russia’s role in global energy flows, LNG supply expectations, China’s strategic stockpiling, and why energy security is increasingly being driven by strategy rather than market theory.Rather than predicting dramatic crashes or price spikes, this episode offers a grounded view of why oil markets may remain far more balanced than forecasts suggest, and what that means for 2026 and beyond.This episode is essential viewing for anyone tracking global energy markets, geopolitics, and the forces shaping oil prices in the years ahead.Register for India Energy Week 2026: https://www.indiaenergyweek.com/forms/register-as-a-delegate
Why CNG is beating petrol and diesel in India’s cities is no longer a prediction. It is already changing everyday mobility and household energy choices across urban India.In this India Energy Week 2026 special episode of The Core Report, Financial Journalist Govindraj Ethiraj speaks with Kamal Kishore Chatiwal, Managing Director, Indraprastha Gas Limited. The conversation explains why CNG adoption in India is accelerating faster than petrol and diesel, even as electric vehicles dominate public debate.From Delhi NCR to emerging cities and rural regions, this episode breaks down the real drivers behind CNG’s growth. Lower running costs, cleaner emissions, improved vehicle performance, shorter refuelling queues, and a rapidly expanding CNG station network are making gas the preferred fuel for a large segment of India’s middle-income urban population.The discussion also goes beyond mobility to examine India’s broader gas-based economy. It explores piped natural gas for homes and villages, compressed biogas from agricultural and municipal waste, domestic gas production, imported LNG, and how city gas distribution companies are quietly reshaping energy access across the country.This episode cuts through assumptions and forecasts to offer a grounded view of how affordability, infrastructure, and scale are shaping India’s energy transition in real time, and why CNG continues to gain relevance alongside newer technologies.Register for India Energy Week 2026: https://www.indiaenergyweek.com/forms/register-as-a-delegate
From Oil To Hydrogen BPCL’s roadmap for India’s energy transition is at the heart of this special episode of The Core Report from India Energy Week 2026. Financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj is in conversation with Sanjay Khanna, Director Refineries and Additional Charge of Chairman and Managing Director at BPCL, on how India’s energy future is being shaped amid global uncertainty and rising demand.As India navigates the shift from fossil fuels to cleaner energy, this discussion explores how BPCL is strengthening its core refining and fuel operations while investing in hydrogen, ethanol, renewables, petrochemicals, and digital transformation. The conversation offers a rare inside view of Project Aspire, BPCL’s long-term strategy to drive growth, energy security, and decarbonisation at scale.Sanjay Khanna explains BPCL’s green hydrogen journey, including falling hydrogen costs, electrolyser projects, and the role of hydrogen in mobility and transport. He also shares why oil and gas will continue to coexist with renewables in India’s energy mix, how geopolitical risks are managed through diversified crude sourcing, and what makes Indian refineries uniquely flexible in handling global crude varieties.The episode also covers ethanol blending, biofuels, flex fuel readiness, LNG as a transition fuel, renewable energy expansion, carbon capture, petrochemicals, and the growing role of AI and digital tools in improving refinery efficiency and reliability. For professionals following India’s economy, energy security, climate goals, or corporate strategy, this conversation delivers depth, clarity, and long-term perspective.This India Energy Week 2026 special edition is essential viewing for business leaders, consultants, policymakers, investors, and professionals seeking to understand how India is balancing growth, sustainability, and energy transition in a rapidly changing world.Subscribe to The Core Report for trusted conversations on business, energy, policy, and the forces shaping India’s future.Register for India Energy Week 2026: https://www.indiaenergyweek.com/forms/register-as-a-delegate
On Episode 780 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Vijai Mantri, Founder & Chief Investment Strategist at JRL Money as well as Anindya Banerjee, Head – Currency & Commodity Research, Kotak Securities. We also feature an excerpt from our recent India Energy Week interview with Vikas Kaushal, Chairman and Managing Director at HPCL.SHOW NOTES(00:00) Stories of the Day(00:50) The Head spinning Greenland U-Turn lifts markets(02:50) Foreign capital is moving to safety, why is that?(09:58) Are we nearing peak oil and what that means for India (16:54) What's happening in the silver markets?(27:50) FeedbackEnergy Special featuring Vikas Kaushal, CMD, HPCLRegister for India Energy Week 2026https://www.indiaenergyweek.com/forms/register-as-a-delegateFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter |Instagram |Facebook |Linkedin |Youtube
India Energy Outlook 2026 looks at how India’s oil giants and oil CEOs are preparing for energy shocks amid global uncertainty. In this India Energy Week 2026 special episode of The Core Report, Financial Journalist Govindraj Ethiraj is in conversation with Vikas Kaushal, Chairman & Managing Director of HPCL, on the future of India’s oil, gas, and energy sector.As India targets high economic growth, energy demand continues to rise across oil, gas, power, renewables, aviation fuel, LPG, and petrochemicals. This episode explains where India stands today on crude oil imports, refining capacity, fuel consumption, and distribution — and why oil and gas remain central to India’s energy security even as renewables scale rapidly.Kaushal shares how Indian oil companies are preparing for 2026 by diversifying crude sourcing, expanding refining capacity, strengthening cost structures, and building resilience against geopolitical disruptions. The discussion also examines why oil prices remained relatively stable through 2025 despite global tensions, how companies plan for supply risks such as the Strait of Hormuz, and what greater agility in trading and operations means for the sector.Beyond production and imports, the conversation explores how India’s energy transition is reshaping consumer-facing businesses. From EV charging and cleaner fuel stations to automation, digital monitoring, service quality, and customer experience, energy companies are evolving to meet changing expectations.The episode also covers petrochemicals, capital deployment, industry collaboration, and insights from India Energy Week, highlighting why India’s energy story in 2026 is not about choosing between oil and renewables, but about managing scale, resilience, and long-term growth.This conversation offers clear insights for professionals tracking India’s economy, oil and gas strategy, energy transition, manufacturing, policy, and global energy trends.Subscribe to The Core Report for in-depth conversations on India’s economy, business, energy, and global affairs.Register for India Energy Week 2026: https://www.indiaenergyweek.com/forms/register-as-a-delegate
On Episode 779 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Monisha Advani, one of the founding partners of Emmay Entertainment (the company that produced the Freedom at Midnight series). We also feature an excerpt from our recent episode of our show How India’s Economy Works, hosted by journalist and author Puja Mehra and featuring Dr. Jahangir Aziz, Economist (Head Emerging Market Economics) at JPMorgan and a former finance ministry official.SHOW NOTES(00:00) Stories of the Day(01:00) Indian markets are taking the hardest hit of all(05:05) Global oil markets will be in deep surplus in 2026 first quarter, says IEA(07:32) What India’s falling core inflation numbers are really telling us(17:03) Why Indian viewers are devouring historical nonfiction across platforms right now(26:23) India’s latest and most beautiful GCC, quite literallyRegister for India Energy Week 2026https://www.indiaenergyweek.com/forms/register-as-a-delegateFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter |Instagram |Facebook |Linkedin |Youtube
On Episode 778 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Professor Prasanna Tantri, Associate Professor of Finance and Executive Director of the Centre for Analytical Finance (CAF) at ISB as well as Ambareesh Baliga, Market Expert.SHOW NOTES(00:00) Stories of the Day(00:50) India joins global markets in Greenland-triggered fall(04:28) Silver and gold continue to rise(05:36) The US attacked Venezuela for its oil but American oil companies are dragging their feet(07:47) Why really are Indian markets falling the way they are?(15:53) Should the Government reduce capital expenditure in this Union Budget?Register for India Energy Week 2026https://www.indiaenergyweek.com/forms/register-as-a-delegateFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter |Instagram |Facebook |Linkedin |Youtube
On Episode 777 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks you through the top business news of the day. We are also featuring excerpts from our recent India Energy Week interview featuring Arun Kumar Singh, Chairman and Managing Director at the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) as well as from our In Studio interview featuring Anuj Kumar, Managing Director at CAMS.SHOW NOTES(00:00) Stories of the Day(01:19) Weak earnings are now putting pressure on Indian markets(04:00) Mutual fund investors have not had a good year, will they hold on?(07:00) Wall Street’s Magnificent Seven are coming apart(08:40) Gold, silver hit fresh highs. Silver prices are up 30% this year already or in three weeks(09:16) IMF raises India growth projection slightly to 7.3% for current year(10:28) The art and science to exploring and drilling for oil(21:37) How women investors are becoming sole owners of mutual fund accountsRegister for our Exclusive live event on the Budget 2026https://tinyurl.com/pod21212 Register for India Energy Week 2026https://www.indiaenergyweek.com/forms/register-as-a-delegateFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter |Instagram |Facebook |Linkedin |Youtube
On Episode 776 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Rahul Charkha, Partner at Economic Laws Practice. We also feature an excerpt from our recent India Energy Week interview featuring Atanu Mukherjee, President and CEO at Dastur Energy.SHOW NOTES(00:00) The Take(05:43) Markets operate in technical territory as they wait for fresh triggers(05:59) WEF, Davos kicks off today but is unlikely to provide much hope to global business and trade.(08:11) Copper hits record highs too(09:14) How energy markets adjusted for geopolitical risks in 2025 and what that means for 2026.(14:49) The Supreme Court ruling on a Tiger Global sale of shares to Walmart from 2018 has created a stir. What does it mean for other transactions?Register for our Exclusive live event on the Budget 2026https://tinyurl.com/pod21212 Register for India Energy Week 2026https://www.indiaenergyweek.com/forms/register-as-a-delegateFull Interview with Atanu MukherjeeFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter |Instagram |Facebook |Linkedin |Youtube
Why Oil Prices May Stay Low In 2026 and what it means for India is a question shaping business decisions, policy debates, and household economics across the country.In this India Energy Week 2026 special episode of The Core Report, Govindraj Ethiraj speaks with Atanu Mukherjee, CEO Dastur Energy to break down the global energy outlook for 2026, why oil supply is likely to stay ahead of demand, and how a lower crude oil price regime could impact India. From Brent crude price expectations in the 50 to 60 dollar range to changing oil flows, this conversation explains why oil prices may remain soft and what that really means for inflation, growth, and energy security.The discussion explores how oversupply in global oil markets, OPEC’s evolving role, and limited volatility are reshaping energy markets in 2026. It also looks closely at India’s oil imports, including Russian oil and Venezuela as a longer-term option, and why India’s refining capacity and petrochemicals strategy are becoming more important as fuel demand patterns change.Beyond oil, this episode examines LNG prices, global gas supply expansion, and why natural gas remains critical for India despite price sensitivity and import dependence. You will also hear why renewables alone may not be enough, how gas and coal-based solutions could support reliable power, and why energy affordability is becoming as important as clean energy goals.A key theme in this conversation is the rising energy demand from AI, data centres, and hyperscalers. As artificial intelligence expands, India’s power infrastructure, grid integration, and energy mix will play a decisive role in determining how fast the digital economy can grow. The episode connects global energy trends with India’s economic and technological future in a clear, grounded way.If you are tracking oil prices in 2026, India’s energy strategy, LNG markets, geopolitics, or the intersection of energy and AI, this conversation offers valuable context and long-term perspective for professionals in finance, consulting, manufacturing, and policy.Understanding why oil prices may stay low in 2026 is not just about forecasting markets. It is about understanding how energy shapes India’s competitiveness, resilience, and growth in a rapidly changing world. Stay with The Core Report for deeper conversations that cut through noise and help you make sense of what comes next.#OilPrices2026 #IndiaEnergy #CrudeOil #EnergyMarkets #IndiaEnergyWeek2026 #TheCoreReport #TheCoreJoin The Core Insider to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzXJw6XkwZulY4nigdtvs4Q/joinListeners! We await your feedback: https://tinyurl.com/TCR-Listener-SurveyThe Core & The Core Report is ad supported & FREE for all readers & listeners. Write in to shiva@thecore.in for sponsorships & brand studio requirements.For more of our coverage check out thecore.in (https://www.thecore.in/)Support the Core Report (https://tinyurl.com/Support-the-Core-Report)Join & Interact anonymously on our WhatsApp channel (https://tinyurl.com/The-Core-WhatsApp-Channel) Subscribe to our Newsletter (https://www.thecore.in/newsletters/thecorenewsletter)
On Episode 774 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Nishank Goyal, CEO at Masters India.SHOW NOTES(00:00) Stories of the Day(01:14) Iran tensions lead to markets flip flopping(03:12) Gold, silver hit record highs again, quite predictably(04:03) Indian exports to the US are holding steady for now(05:52) Oil prices pull back as US says will not attack Iran for now(12:02) China trade surplus hits record $1.19 trillion despite US tariffs(13:13) Tax and Technology(22:29) FeedbackRegister for our Exclusive live event on the Budget 2026https://tinyurl.com/pod21212 Register for India Energy Week 2026https://www.indiaenergyweek.com/forms/register-as-a-delegateFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter |Instagram |Facebook |Linkedin |Youtube
On Episode 773 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Ajay Bagga, Market Expert as well as Uday Ved, Partner – Tax services at KNAV.SHOW NOTES(00:00) Stories of the Day(00:50) Markets fall as fresh tariff jitters hit India(04:15) What lies beneath the choppiness in Indian markets?(16:39) An India-EU deal could be around the corner(17:34) The US targets Iran but it is not clear Venezuela is a win even as oil price rise(20:08) Businesses are looking forward to a host of tax benefits in the upcoming Union Budget(27:29) Immigration raids pick up steam in the UK tooRegister for India Energy Week 2026https://www.indiaenergyweek.com/forms/register-as-a-delegateFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter |Instagram |Facebook |Linkedin |Youtube



















