The Morning Brief

Shipping giant AP Moeller Maersk just announced its biggest investment commitment to India: $5 billion. The investment will mostly be spent in trying to renew an existing port contract and bidding for a new one. But are there other projects on the anvil? What about logistics and shipbuilding? The company has been slower than its rivals to expand: globally and in India. But will a recent blockbuster profit and an overhaul of the network unleash its animal spirits? Host Anirban Chowdhury talks about it all with Keith Svendsen, Chief Executive Officer, APM Terminals  and Christopher Cook, Managing Director, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. If you like this episode, check out more Corner Office Conversations from the podcast: Adar Poonawalla, Sandip Patel, The Mega Listing Of Vishal Retail, Antonoaldo Neves, Rajesh Jejurikar, Srikanth Velamakanni, and more!You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and Linkedin Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the world moves towards streaming and cord-cutting, Tata Play and Airtel Digital TV are gearing up to merge their direct-to-home (DTH) businesses. The deal promises a combined subscriber base of 35 million, with Airtel holding a 52% stake and Tata owning the rest. But is this merger just a desperate attempt to salvage the struggling DTH segment, or does it signal a broader strategy? What does it mean for Tata’s media distribution ambitions and Airtel’s broadband expansion plans? Hosts Anirban Chowdhury and Arijit Barman dive into the details of this mega deal, its implications for India’s media landscape, and whether it can revive the ailing DTH business. Tune in. Check out other interesting episodes from the host like: Corner Office Conversation with Arundhati Bhattacharya, Chairperson & CEO, Salesforce India, India vs TB: Where are we at?, Maha Kumbh: Business in Blessings,  X or Exchanges? Should Market Disclosure Rules Taper Down?, and more! You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and Linkedin Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We take you to Rakhigarhi, the largest city of the Harappan civilization deep underneath a quiet village in Haryana. Despite its historical significance and being declared an “iconic site” in the 2020-21 Budget, Rakhigarhi remains a forgotten relic. Host Nidhi Sharma travels to the ruins and talks to Dr. S.K. Manjul, Archaeologist and current zila parishad member Dinesh Sheoran about fascinating discoveries from the site: from a mud-brick stadium that existed years before the Romans and Greek came up with them  to evidence of ancient communal rituals. But preserving this heritage is a struggle, with no proper museum, viewing decks, or guided tours, fragile structures are reburied under tarpaulin, waiting for the day conservation efforts to catch up. Why does a site so crucial to understanding our civilization remain neglected? What’s stopping Rakhigarhi from becoming the next Dholavira or Mohenjo-daro?Credits: Mirror NowCheck out other interesting episodes from the host like: Corner Office Conversation with Arundhati Bhattacharya, Chairperson & CEO, Salesforce India, India vs TB: Where are we at?, Maha Kumbh: Business in Blessings,  X or Exchanges? Should Market Disclosure Rules Taper Down?, and more!You can follow our host Nidhi Sharma on her social media: Twitter & Linkedin Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn,  Amazon Music and Google Podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s that time of the year again. Markets are abuzz once more with talks of Tesla coming to India. The race to woo Elon Musk’s EV giant has intensified. Andhra Pradesh has now joined the list of states offering incentives to attract the maker of cybertrucks and self-driving cars. From cheap land parcels to port access, to tax benefits on charging infra, state governments are pulling out all stops to convince Tesla to set up shop in their turf. Tesla which is facing tough competition and dented sales in strongholds like China has a lot riding on the India EV story. But will it bite? Host Anirban Chowdhury knocks it down with ET's Nidhi Sharma and Dia Rekhi. Tune in. Check out other interesting episodes from the host like: Corner Office Conversation with Arundhati Bhattacharya, Chairperson & CEO, Salesforce India, India vs TB: Where are we at?, Maha Kumbh: Business in Blessings,  X or Exchanges? Should Market Disclosure Rules Taper Down?, and more! You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and Linkedin Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube. Credits: Firstpost, NDTV Profit, India Today See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

India’s gaming industry is experiencing growth, driven by millions of players, a rapidly expanding esports culture, and increasing investments in game development. However, behind this success lies a complex landscape of regulatory challenges, evolving technology, and changing player preferences. In this episode, host Anirban Chowdhury sits down with Sean (Hyunil) Sohn, CEO of Krafton India, to discuss his journey, Krafton’s experience in navigating bans and regulations, and the company’s vision for the Indian gaming market. They explore how artificial intelligence is transforming game development and player experiences, Krafton’s $160 million investment in Indian startups, the rise of cloud gaming, and what the future holds for gaming in India over the next decade.   If you like this episode, check out more Corner Office Conversations from the podcast: Adar Poonawalla, Sandip Patel, The Mega Listing Of Vishal Retail, Antonoaldo Neves, Rajesh Jejurikar, Srikanth Velamakanni, and more!You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and Linkedin Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sameer Nair’s career trajectory is co-terminus with the average millenial’s consumption of Indian television and media. From bringing international shows like Street Hawk and Knight Rider to national television in the late 80s to making us come of age with American soap operas The Bold and The Beautiful and Santa Barbara as programming head of Star TV in the late 90s; from reinventing prime time entertainment with Kyunki Saans Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, and Kaun Banega Crorepati as Star India chief to bringing Balaji Telefilms to the OTT space as its Group CEO…and finally telling stories he wants as managing director of Aditya Birla Group’s Applause Entertainment which gave us Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story, it’s been quite the journey for Nair. Joining him in today’s conversation is Vikramaditya Motwane, one of Bollywood’s rare auteurs with a remarkable body of work: from Udaan and Lootera to Sacred Games and the most recent Netflix show Black Warrant, produced by Nair’s Applause. Motwane and Nair talk about their latest show and upcoming projects; contemporary history and book adaptations; why the experience of cinema needs to change and why the entertainment industry needs disciplined fund raising; on Amar Chitra Katha and mafia; and why the Indian entertainment industry is looking at a positive 2025 after two difficult years. Tune in. Check out other interesting episodes from the host like: Corner Office Conversation with Arundhati Bhattacharya, Chairperson & CEO, Salesforce India, India vs TB: Where are we at?, Maha Kumbh: Business in Blessings,  X or Exchanges? Should Market Disclosure Rules Taper Down?, and more! You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and Linkedin Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube. Credits: MacPhoenix82, NBC Classics, Star Middle East and Africa, rt, Rj Motivation, Harshil Agarwal, Sony LIV, Manmarziyaan, Plexus Motion Pictures, Netflix India (1), Netflix India (2), MotwayneSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The life of Cipla, the Indian pharma giant, can broadly be divided into three parts: the first 8 decades of altruistic fervour; the second phase-a decade of sharper focus and soaring profits and the third upcoming phase of innovation, new frontiers and possible acquisitions. Steering the second two phases is the company’s global CEO and managing director Umang Vohra. How does a company so deeply rooted in its legacy adapt and scale in a rapidly evolving industry? How does Cipla navigate the seismic shifts in global pharma, from regulatory pressures in the US to the rise of AI-driven drug discovery? What does the future of pharmaceutical innovation hold, and where does Cipla fit into this changing landscape?In this episode, hosts Anirban Chowdhury and Vikas Dandekar sit down with Vohra, to explore Cipla’s past, present and future shaped as much by business acumen as the Bhagvad Gita. Tune in You can follow Vikas Dandekar on his Linkedin, Twitter profiles and read his Newspaper Articles.  Check out Vikas Dandekar and Anirban Chowdhury’s other interesting episodes  like: India vs TB: Where are we at?, Clearing the Air on HMPV Virus, India’s Dangerous Misuse Of Antibiotics Pt 1 and much more.You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and Linkedin Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David S Waddell, CEO and Chief Investment Strategist at Waddell & Associates, joins host Dia Rekhi on The Morning Brief to dissect the global economic shifts under the Trump administration. From the impact of tariff wars on emerging markets like India to the potential productivity revolution driven by AI, he offers a detailed analysis of the challenges and opportunities ahead. Waddell also shares why certain economic indicators provide comfort amidst market uncertainty and why he remains bullish on India’s growth story. Don’t miss this deep dive into the global and Indian economic outlook in the Trump era. Check out Dia’s other interesting episodes like: Move Aside Tech Bros!, Will Musk’s Starlink Finally Come to India?, The Economics of Terror, Devious Genius: The “Digital Arrests” Scam Pt 1 & Pt 2, India's CCTV Crackdown, and more! You can follow Dia Rekhi on social media: Linkedin & Twitter Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indian stock markets are experiencing their longest slump in recent years, with FIIs selling at unprecedented levels and small- and mid-cap stocks taking significant hits. In this episode, we break down the factors driving this downturn, examine global market influences, and analyze whether this is a temporary correction or the beginning of a prolonged decline. Host Anirban Chowdhury speaks with ET’s markets editor Nishanth Vasudevan about why India’s stock market—once considered the darling of global investors—is now under immense pressure, facing record sell-offs, declining corporate earnings, and increasing competition from China and the U.S. What triggered this dramatic shift? Is a rebound on the horizon?You can check out ET Wealth and Beyond for more episodes featuring our guest, Nishanth Vasudevan. Check out other interesting episodes from the host like: Corner Office Conversation with Arundhati Bhattacharya, Chairperson & CEO, Salesforce India, India vs TB: Where are we at?, Maha Kumbh: Business in Blessings,  X or Exchanges? Should Market Disclosure Rules Taper Down?, and more! You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and Linkedin Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From his first Phd thesis to his illustrious and tumultuous stint in Twitter to his current assignment as head of safety and trust at dating behemoth Match Group, Yoel Roth has been a crusader for safety on the internet, the social web and dating apps. Roth is in fact a crusader who hasn’t stopped short of raising his voice against his former boss Elon Musk and his close friend Donald Trump. At the Match Group which runs 20 of the world’s most popular apps including Tinder and Hinge, he is responsible for building guardrails against fake ids, data theft, financial scams, physical and sexual assault. It’s a tough job and Roth revels in it.  On Safer Internet Day, tune in to this conversation in which he talks, among other things, about the radical transformation in Indian dating communities. Check out other interesting episodes from the host like: Corner Office Conversation with Arundhati Bhattacharya, Chairperson & CEO, Salesforce India, India vs TB: Where are we at?, Maha Kumbh: Business in Blessings,  X or Exchanges? Should Market Disclosure Rules Taper Down?, and more! You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and Linkedin Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tata Consumer Products has been on a transformative journey, evolving from a tea and salt company into a diversified FMCG business. With changing consumer preferences, rising competition, and the rapid growth of digital commerce, the company is navigating a dynamic landscape while expanding its footprint across multiple categories. Host Ratna Bhushan talks to Sunil D’Souza, CEO & MD of Tata Consumer Products discussing the company’s ambitions to become an FMCG leader, earnings, urban vs. rural demand trends, the evolving premiumization landscape in India, Starbucks, acquisitions, Trump and much more.Tune in. If you like this episode, check out more Corner Office Conversations from the podcast: Adar Poonawalla, Sandip Patel, The Mega Listing Of Vishal Retail, Antonoaldo Neves, Rajesh Jejurikar, Srikanth Velamakanni, and more!You can follow Ratna Bhushan on her social media: Twitter and Linkedin. Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Agentic AI—or an artificial intelligence system that can think, plan, navigate complex workflows and decide for itself—is at the forefront of the AI revolution. Companies across the world from Siemens to JP Morgan are investing in and finding use cases for agentic AI. Satya Nadella has said it will lead to the death of Saas, while Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce has said his biggest focus right now is to supply a billion agents to the world: agents that will soon be bigger than the internet. In this conversation, Arundhati Bhattacharya, Chairperson and CEO of Salesforce India talks about the many use cases of AI for this market: from banking to farmers. Tune in. Check out other interesting episodes from the host like: India’s Space Odyssey 2025, How will the H-1B furore pan out?, Building India’s $30 Trillion Future By 2047, Mint Street’s New Maestro, Explaining the Food Inflation Debate, India’s Big Dubai Probe and more! You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and Linkedin Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube. Credits: Peter H. DiamandisSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Between finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s tax sops for the middle class and Donald Trump’s tariff missiles on three countries he really dislikes, it’s been a largely eventful three days. And as usual, The Morning Brief is buzzing with questions: From tax cuts and fiscal discipline to capital expenditure, is the so-called “impossible trifecta” too good to be true? Why was a tax bill introduced separately from the budget? Is the government pivoting from corporate India to the middle class? Trump’s latest executive decision can put global trade in limbo and has thrust the world into very uncertain times. What lies ahead? Host Arijit Barman talks to Swaminathan Aiyar about it all. And more…Tune inIf you like this episode, check out more Corner Office Conversations from the podcast: Adar Poonawalla, Sandip Patel, The Mega Listing Of Vishal Retail, Antonoaldo Neves, Rajesh Jejurikar, Srikanth Velamakanni, and more! You can follow our host Arijit Barman on his social media: Twitter and Linkedin Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A little-known Chinese AI startup just sent shockwaves through the global tech world—wiping off $593 billion from the market value of one of the world’s most valuable companies and challenging Silicon Valley’s dominance. How did DeepSeek, a newcomer, manage to rattle AI behemoths like OpenAI and Nvidia? And what does its rise mean for the future of AI, economics, and geopolitics? In this episode, Anirban Chowdhury and Dia Rekhi break it all down with Conor Grennan, chief AI architect at NYU Stern School of Business and Jeffrey Ding, assistant professor at George Washington University. They dissect DeepSeek’s cost-efficient AI model, its implications for U.S.-China tech rivalry, and whether this marks the start of a seismic shift in AI’s power balance. Is DeepSeek the future, or just a flash in the pan? And should Silicon Valley be worried? Tune in to find out.   Check out other interesting episodes from the host like: India’s Space Odyssey 2025, How will the H-1B furore pan out?, Building India’s $30 Trillion Future By 2047, Mint Street’s New Maestro, Explaining the Food Inflation Debate, India’s Big Dubai Probe and more! You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and Linkedin and Dia Rekhi on her 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.

At the Davos World Economic Forum Arijit Barman had an insightful conversation with Nicolai Tangen, CEO of Norges Bank Investment Management, about managing one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds. From the rise of AI and Big Tech dominance to the impact of geopolitical tensions and shifting energy policies, Tangen breaks down the forces shaping global finance. He also shares insights on the role of India in the investment landscape, the risks of market concentration, and why transparency is key in managing $2 trillion.  If you like this episode, check out more Corner Office Conversations from the podcast: Adar Poonawalla, Sandip Patel, The Mega Listing Of Vishal Retail, Antonoaldo Neves, Rajesh Jejurikar, Srikanth Velamakanni, and more! You can follow our host Arijit Barman on his social media: Twitter and Linkedin Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.