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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Jun 24, 2025 • 30min
#615 Markets Shrug Off Middle East Tensions
On Episode 615 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Sheetal Sapale, Vice-President (Commercial) at Pharmarack. We also feature an excerpt from our upcoming interview with Mark Kaplan, Co-Founder at WholeChain, part of our Build on Blockchain Series.SHOW NOTES(00:00) Stories of the Day(01:00) Markets shrug off middle east tensions, for now(04:33) Oil prices fall sharply as markets breathe easy(05:43) Tata Motors says no rare earths problem for now(07:41) More action in India’s weight loss drug market as more MNCs muscle in(08:34) Understanding drug MNC strategy in India(21:48) Building traceability for shrimp farmers in India exporting to the westhttps://www.investing-referral.com/aff303For more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
Jun 23, 2025 • 28min
#614 Stock Markets Unmoved By The Middle East War
On Episode 614 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Amit Tandon, Founder and Managing Director at IiAS. SHOW NOTES(00:00) Stories of the Day(01:09) Stock Markets unmoved by the Middle east war, for now. Iran launches missiles at Qatar(03:57) The rupee turns weak as the dollar strengthens(06:15) Oil prices recover from a steep drop as traders look at supply impact(10:52) Oman to become first Gulf country to charge Income Tax in sign of changing times(12:00) India’s promoter led companies control their fate and fortune in more ways than onehttps://www.investing-referral.com/aff303For more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
Jun 22, 2025 • 21min
#613 Markets Power Up On Friday
On Episode 613 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Indrani Bagchi, CEO at Ananta Aspen Centre. SHOW NOTES(00:00) The Take(05:38) Markets power up on Friday, brace for Monday(11:52) Tax collections are down(13:23) America returns to a middle east warhttps://www.investing-referral.com/aff303For more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
Jun 20, 2025 • 41min
#612 Inside the Rise of India's Private Dairy Giants | Govindraj Ethiraj | The Core Report
India’s dairy industry is quietly transforming and private players are leading the charge.In this episode of The Core Report Weekend Edition, Govindraj Ethiraj speaks with dairy industry veteran Rajiv Mitra about the rapid growth of India’s private dairy sector, which now handles half the country’s milk. From trade policy tensions with the US and UK to the challenges of exporting value-added dairy products like paneer, cheese, and yoghurt, this episode unpacks the economics, politics, and future of Indian dairy.Mitra explains why India protects dairy in FTAs, the role of 80 million smallholder farmers, and why local brands are thriving despite low margins and logistics hurdles. He also delves into the global export potential of Indian dairy — and what must change for India to compete.🔹 Topics Covered:a) Why India blocks dairy in FTAs with UK & USb) The rise of private dairy giants and regional brandsc) Challenges in milk collection, perishability & traceabilityd) Role of cooperatives vs. private players like Lactalis, Heritage, Dodlae) India's untapped potential in global dairy exports
Jun 19, 2025 • 22min
#611 A Cloud Of Caution Over The Stock Markets
On Episode 611 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Vandana Hari, Founder & CEO of Vanda Insights. SHOW NOTES(00:00) Stories of the Day(01:00) A Cloud of caution over the stock markets(02:08) A big rush of IPOs could dampen market activity(05:04) Oil prices rise again as analysts compute war risk premia(13:47) Global FDI flows falls a sharp 11%, China most hit(15:30) Air India reaches out to passengers and public to announce 15% reduction in international flights, says ill-fated aircraft and engines were in good shape(18:54) Slim foldable phones is where the action isIndia’s Job Crisis Explained: Why Millions Still Can’t Find Workhttps://www.investing-referral.com/aff303For more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
Jun 18, 2025 • 21min
#610 War Tensions Pull Down Indices Again
On Episode 610 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Dipti Deshpande, Director and Principal Economist at Crisil. We also feature an excerpt from our recent episode of our podcast How India’s Economy Works hosted by Puja Mehra.SHOW NOTES(00:00) Stories of the Day(00:50) Analysts are scratching their heads over oil prices(02:01) War tensions pull down indices again(03:17) Nifty 500 companies have reported single-digit yoy sales growth (+5% yoy) for eight quarters now(05:41) Economists would prefer not to have gold in India’s inflation indices(14:15) Sebi eases compliance for foreign investors in sovereign debt(15:19) The Link Between Jobs and Investment with Amit BasoleIndia’s Job Crisis Explained: Why Millions Still Can’t Find Workhttps://www.investing-referral.com/aff303For more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
Jun 17, 2025 • 19min
#609 Markets Slip As Trump Warns Iran
On Episode 609 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks you through the top business news stories of the day. We also feature an excerpt from our extended discussion with Algorand’s Technical Lead for India, Nikhil Varma in our ongoing “Build On Blockchain” Series.SHOW NOTES(00:00) The Take(04:21) Markets slip as Trump warns Iran(06:44) No direct risk to India on Israel-Iran war.(09:19) Citibank says gold prices will fall(10:59) Exporters to the US are wanting out of dollars into Euros and yuan.(13:20) Build on Blockchainhttps://www.investing-referral.com/aff303For more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
Jun 16, 2025 • 29min
#608 Markets Hold Out Against War Fears
On Episode 608 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Mahesh Balasubramaniam, Managing Director of Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company (Kotak Life). SHOW NOTES(00:00) Stories of the Day(01:00) Markets hold out against war fears(01:29) Gold prices hit an all time high, cross Rs 100,000 (04:34) Oil prices are in uncharted territory for now even as consolidation waves continue(10:07) China is seeing another DeepSeek phenomenon, this time it is in biotech.(11:59) India’s life insurance business, riding on post Covid shifts, is pushing the digital frontiers though the majority is still physical. https://www.investing-referral.com/aff303For more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
Jun 15, 2025 • 20min
#607 Markets Take A Hit On Israel-Iran War
On Episode 607 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks you through the top business news of the day. We also feature an excerpt from our recent weekend edition featuring Anshul Jain, Chief Executive – India, SE Asia & APAC Tenant Representation at Cushman & Wakefield. SHOW NOTES(00:00) The Take(05:19) Markets take hit on Israel-Iran war, uncertainty returns (08:34) Oil prices zoom, bigger concern than stockmarkets(09:57) India holds back rare earth exports to Japan(13:26) The world’s hottest office space market is…https://www.investing-referral.com/aff303For more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
Jun 13, 2025 • 40min
#606 India's Office Space Boom: Why Global Firms Are Betting Big On GCCs
In this episode of The Core Report Weekend Edition, Govindraj Ethiraj speaks with Anshul Jain, Chief Executive - India, SE Asia & APAC Tenant Representation at Cushman & Wakefield, to unpack the sharp rise in commercial real estate demand across India — especially driven by Global Capability Centres (GCCs), domestic expansion, and post-pandemic workplace shifts.From Bangalore’s dominance in leasing activity to the rise of institutional investors, Anshul breaks down the numbers, the sectors driving growth (like BFSI, pharma, and engineering), and how green buildings, amenities, and hybrid work models are transforming modern office demand.The conversation also explores:a) Why GCCs are driving a third of India’s office space demandb) How net absorption post-COVID surged by over 30%c) The premiumization of office space and rise of Grade-A infrastructured) The future of REITs and office investments in Indiae) Key policy and infrastructure gaps that must be addressed to sustain growth🎙️ This is a must-watch for anyone tracking India’s commercial property market, real estate investments, or the future of work in India.Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(01:20) Office Space in India(03:13) Absorption(05:30) GCCs(06:30) Other Sectors(10:50) Office space, GDP growth, Offshoring(12:38) Global companies vs Indian companies(15:00) Factors driving demand(18:52) Understanding the supply side(20:44) Supply Trends in India(22:29) Demand is outstripping Supply(23:38) Institutional Investors(25:38) Office Space v Residential(27:25) Entry and exit plans(29:02) Problems of Land and Ownership structure(30:29) Disaster resilience (32:50) Build-to-sell v build-to-rent(34:24) What allows GCCs to flourish(38:30) A good office spaceThe Core and The Core Report is ad supported and FREE for all readers and listeners. Write in to shiva@thecore.in for sponsorships and brand studio requirementsFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
