

The Core Report
The Core
Every Monday to Saturday, tune in as financial journalist and host Govindraj Ethiraj gives you the latest news in business, economy and technology
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Dec 30, 2024 • 39min
#471 The Positive Impact of AI on Our Lives with Ravi Bapna and Anindya Ghose
In this Business Books edition of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj sits down with professors Ravi Bapna and Anindya Ghose to explore the multifaceted impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on education, misinformation, and global technology trends. Their discussion highlights how personalized AI tutors can revolutionize learning, the collaborative role of AI and humans in tackling misinformation, and the geopolitical implications of advancements in the AI technology stack.
From India’s strides in digital public infrastructure and AI for regional languages to the dynamic competition in the semiconductor and cloud computing industries, the conversation provides a forward-looking perspective on how AI could shape 2025. Bapna and Ghose also address the challenges of AI adoption, emphasizing the need for educators and organizations to adapt to rapidly evolving technologies.
Tune in for insights about the transformative potential and ethical dilemmas of AI in our interconnected world.
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Dec 28, 2024 • 34min
#470 AstraZeneca’s Vision for a Cancer-Free Future with Dr. Sanjeev Panchal
🎙️ This week we are joined by Dr. Sanjeev Panchal, Country President & MD of AstraZeneca India, for a deep dive into the transformative innovations shaping the future of healthcare.
Dr. Panchal discusses AstraZeneca's global ambition to eliminate lung cancer as a cause of death by 2030 and the groundbreaking work being done in India to bring this vision to life.
Discover how early screening technologies powered by AI-integrated X-rays and public-private partnerships with states like Karnataka and Goa are making early detection more accessible and reducing the disease burden.
Dr. Panchal also highlights AstraZeneca's commitment to equitable vaccine access and its efforts to address multiple tumor types, including lung, breast, gastrointestinal, gynecological, and hematological cancers.
Finally, Dr. Panchal sheds light on AstraZeneca's role in driving sustainability by actively working towards becoming carbon neutral while maintaining a strong focus on innovation and collaboration.
Tune in for an inspiring discussion that bridges science, technology, and healthcare, offering a glimpse into how AstraZeneca is shaping the future.
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Dec 27, 2024 • 46min
#469 The Three Avatars of Dr. Manmohan Singh: A Retrospective
In this edition of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj is joined by AK Bhattacharya, Editorial Director at the Business Standard and Shankkar Aiyar veteran economic journalist and author, to look back on the life and times of Dr. Manmohan Singh and his contributions in his various roles as RBI Governor, Finance Minister and Prime Minister of India. Taking a holistic view of his life and impact, they talk about his achievements through the crisis of 1991 and the reforms that transformed India’s economy, how his tenure as Prime Minister established a slew of rights-based policies but was also mired by inefficiency and accusations of corruption, and much more.
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Dec 26, 2024 • 43min
#468 Why Short-Term Thinking Is Killing India’s Business Potential with Rajendra Srivastava
In this Special Edition of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj engages with Professor Rajendra Srivastava, former Dean of the Indian School of Business (ISB) and the Novartis Professor of Marketing strategy and Innovation, to dissect India’s evolving business landscape and its implications for economic growth. The episode critiques the Indian business' focus on short-term profitability over long-term investments in product design, supply chain networks, and branding—a mindset that hinders India's competitive edge. Drawing parallels with global leaders like Tesla and Meta, the discussion illustrates how Indian companies can learn from these examples to build sustainable growth strategies.With Maruti as an example of ecosystem-driven success, Professor Srivastava underscores the need to harness India's human capital and technological potential. The conversation also unpacks how the Indian diaspora and Global Capability Centers (GCCs) are reshaping the talent landscape, positioning India as a hub for design and engineering excellence.
(00:00) The Challenge of Short-Term Profit Focus
(02:30) Resilience and Immunity in Business Growth
(05:00) The Ambassador Car's Legacy
(07:00) Leveraging Indian Human Capital and Technology
(09:00) Looking Ahead to 2025: Challenges and Opportunities
(11:00) The Impact of Global Trade and Tariffs
(13:00) Indian Diaspora's Role in Economic Growth
(16:00) The Service Industry as an Export Sector
(19:00) GCCs and Talent Retention in India
(22:00) The Growth of Engineering and Design in India
(25:00) Economic Value of India’s GCCs
(28:00) Impact of Visa Restrictions on India’s Growth
(30:00) India's Economic Outlook: Opportunities and Strategic Focus
(35:16) Global Trade Dynamics and U.S. Tariff Strategies
(37:00) Education Expenditure: A Key Outflow to the U.S.
(39:00) The Role of GCCs in India's Future Economic Growth
(41:00) Innovation and Talent Retention in India’s Tech Sector
(42:00) Closing Remarks and Reflections
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Dec 25, 2024 • 39min
#467 The Private-Consumption Slowdown: Gauging 2023-24 Economic Trends with DK Joshi
In this Special Edition of The Core Report, financial journalist Govind Ethiraj engages with DK Joshi, Chief Economist at CRISIL, to provide a comprehensive analysis of India's economic trajectory. The discussion delves into how investment patterns have evolved since 2019-20, the pandemic’s lasting impact on GDP, and the alternative paths India’s economy could have taken. Joshi sheds light on the critical need to address skill mismatches, prioritise vocational training, and enhance workforce productivity. He examines the unprecedented dip in private consumption for 2023-24 and the complex dynamics of premiumisation affecting the mass market.
The conversation also explores the importance of updating India’s labor data through a new census, the migration of labor from agriculture to high-productivity sectors, and the economic implications of workforce mobility. Climate change perspectives take center stage as Joshi discusses India’s pragmatic approach to balancing environmental goals with affordability and security concerns. Looking ahead to 2025, he provides insights into tariff challenges, India’s strategic global positioning, the transformative role of digitalization, and an optimistic forecast for interest rates. This episode offers a thorough exploration of the forces shaping India's economic future.
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Dec 23, 2024 • 46min
#466 Navigating Market Trends And Investment Strategies with Samir Arora
In this episode of The Core Report's year end Special Editions, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj interviews Samir Arora, a veteran fund manager and the founder of Helios Capital, delving into his perspectives on mutual fund trends, market cycles, and investment strategies. Arora highlights the remarkable rise of direct mutual fund investments, with over 40% of their flows bypassing traditional distributors, and shares his insights on the dynamics of Indian retail investors. He also shares candid opinions on the consumer durables sector, identifying its cyclical nature and susceptibility to macroeconomic shifts. He argues that while the industry offers growth opportunities, its volatility and dependency on discretionary spending demand cautious optimism from investors. This episode offers a wealth of insights on India's investment landscape and more.
(00:00) Introduction and Investment Beginnings(03:41) Defining Investment Philosophies(07:21) The Role of FII in Indian Markets(11:01) Market Cycles and Investor Behavior(15:01) The Rise of Indian Retail Investors(18:31) The Impact of Global Macroeconomics on Indian Markets(23:11) The Significance of Sectoral Allocation(27:01) Tech, IT, and the India Growth Story(31:31) The Influence of Dream-Selling in Investments(38:18) Equity vs Other Asset Classes(39:45) Domestic Investment Flows and Investor Behavior(42:35) Defining Bull Runs in the Indian Market(43:27) HDFC Bank: A Timeless Investment(45:24) Closing Remarks
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Dec 22, 2024 • 25min
#465 The Stock Markets Take A Pounding On Foreign Investor Selling
On Episode 465 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Dinesh Kanabar, CEO at tax advisory company Dhruva Advisors as well as Sheetal Sapale, Vice President at Pharmarack.
SHOW NOTES
(00:00) Stories of the Day
(01:19) The stock markets take a pounding on foreign investor selling, the last week has no real good news.
(02:54) Rupee hits fresh low, forex reserves drop sharply
(06:18) India’s direct tax collections are rising, what is driving it?
(13:35) Indians are willing to seek treatment for more disease conditions including depression and that is driving up sales of cures
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Dec 20, 2024 • 39min
#464 Insights on India’s Tech Future with Rajesh Nambiar
With generative AI poised to reshape industries, how can India’s IT sector keep up? In this episode, Rajesh Nambiar, President of NASSCOM, joins Govindraj Ethiraj to explore the transformative impact of AI on the traditional IT model. Reflecting on pivotal moments like Y2K and the importance of learnability, Nambiar discusses how the industry can pivot to seize new opportunities. What lessons from the past can guide India’s next tech revolution? And how can the country leverage its strengths in data and innovation to thrive in an AI-driven future? Tune in to uncover strategies for staying competitive in this watershed era.
(00:00) Introduction to the Future of AI and Work
(02:01) The Impact of AI on Job Creation and Replacement
(06:01) The Importance of Skill Development in Emerging Technologies
(09:16) Challenges and Opportunities for Deep Tech Startups
(12:01) India’s Position in the Global Startup Ecosystem
(16:31) The Semiconductor Ecosystem and India’s Role
(25:18) Leveraging India’s Strengths for Semiconductor Growth
(29:33) Startups and Leveraging Technology to Solve Real Problems
(32:16) Advice for Young Engineers Entering the Workforce
(34:20) The Evolution of IT and What’s Next for the Industry
(37:23) Closing Remarks: The Future of Work and Technology
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Dec 19, 2024 • 24min
#463 Markets Fall Again, on Hawkish US Interest Rate Stance
On Episode 463 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Krishan Arora, Indirect Tax National Leader and Partner at Grant Thornton Bharat.
SHOW NOTES
(00:00) Stories of the Day
(01:00) Markets fall again, on hawkish US interest rate stance
(03:20) Rupee crosses Rs 85 per USD now
(04:23) Time to brace, consumer product companies are hiking prices sharply
(07:32) An important GST meeting coming up might see some rates being reduced, so what will go up?
(20:04) The US is considering banning router maker TP-Link which also commands a significant share of Indian market
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Dec 18, 2024 • 28min
#462 Markets Slip Again On Fed Fears
On Episode 462 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Yves Padrines, CEO at the Nemetschek Group.
SHOW NOTES
(00:00) The Take
(05:00) Markets slip again on Fed fears
(07:44) Direct tax collections stay strong
(09:23) Institutional investment in real estate is rising
(10:38) Trump threatens reciprocal tariffs on India in sign that he has not forgotten his original threats
(11:58) How software is changing construction industry practices and timelines
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