

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
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 19, 2023 • 32min
#074 Story Of An Airconditioner: In Conversation With B Thiagarajan
On this episode, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to B Thiagarajan, Managing Director of manufacturing company Blue Star. He has more than four decades of experience, having worked for reputed companies such as Larsen &Toubro Ltd, BPL Systems Ltd and Voltas Ltd, prior to joining Blue Star in 1998. From April 1, 2019, he has taken charge as Managing Director of Blue Star currently overseeing the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration business operations in the India geography, including Sales & Marketing, Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Customer Service. He also oversees Corporate Communications and Public Relations functions.Mr B Thiagarajan plays an active role in various industry fora and is the Past President of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Manufacturers Association (RAMA). He is the Past Chairman of CII Western Region and CII Maharashtra State and is currently a member of the CII National Council and chairs the CII National Committee on Consumer Electronics and Durables and CII task Force on Rural Development and Migrant Work Force. He is a Senior Fellow and the National Vice Chairman of the Indian Green Building Council.In this conversation you will learn about the intricacies of manufacturing air conditioners, the finer details on the kind of parts and materials needed for air-conditioners, how environmental trends affect their manufacturing processes, Mr Thiagarajans ups and downs in the business and much more.Connecting the Dots with B Thiagarajan on YoutubeFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube | Telegram

Aug 18, 2023 • 23min
#073 Rupee Falls To A Record Low Against The Dollar
On today’s episode, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Anindya Banerjee, VP - Currency Derivatives & Interest Rate Derivatives at Kotak Securities Ltd as well as Joydeep Goswami, Chief Strategy and Corporate Development Officer for Biotech company Illumina.SHOW NOTES[00:50] Rupee falls to a record low against the dollar. We find out why.[05:33] India’s corporate profit cycle strongest in 15 years, says Standard Chartered.[09:10] How increased disease surveillance could get us better medicines and faster [19:57] Scotch whiskey might get cheaperFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube | Telegram

Aug 17, 2023 • 26min
#072 US Banking Industry Braces For Downgrades As Indian Banking Industry Gets Upgrades
On today’s episode, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to oil analyst Vandana Hari of Vanda Insights as well as Yuvika Singhal, Economist at QuantEco Research.SHOW NOTES[00:50] US Banking industry braces for downgrades as Indian banking industry gets upgrades.[04:36] Oil Prices, Until Recently Projected Staying Low, Are Now SkyRocketing with Vandana Hari[13:07] When will inflation settle down? with Yuvika Singhal[20:27] A Plant In A Year. Ramping Up Manufacturing In The New Age[24:03] Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Pune are cities where you can actually afford homes.For more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube | Telegram

Aug 16, 2023 • 21min
#071 India Joins The Global Manufacturing Subsidy Race
On today’s episode, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to aviation writer and The Core Consulting Editor Anjuli Bhargava.SHOW NOTES[00:55] India Joins The Global Maufacturing Subsidy Race. [07:31] Food inflation rockets up, beats expectations.[08:57] Newcomer Akasa now gains ground from struggling competitors[15:03] India sees record and unexpected box office turnouts[17:12] Walking is good, Some tips for your work routine with Dr Nandita IyerFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube | Telegram

Aug 14, 2023 • 27min
#070 Private Banks And Their Customers Grapple With Massive Attrition
On today’s episode, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Rajkamal Vempati, Head of Human Resources at Axis BankSHOW NOTES[00:55] Shooting Inflation and rising oil prices, new concern areas as brokerages put a pause.[06:00] Is the auditor always right?[10:18] Private banks and their customers grapple with massive attrition with Rajkamal Vempati[19:05] Wave and pay. Amazon’s new palm identification service[22:23] A sad passing, Darius Forbes of Forbes Marshall is no more.For more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube | Telegram

Aug 12, 2023 • 32min
#069 How To Create A Blooming Flower Business with Vikaas Gutgutia
On this episode, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Vikaas Gutgutia, Founder and Managing Director of Ferns N Petals, India's Biggest Gifting Solutions Provider. Twenty six years back, as a first-generation businessman Mr. Gutgutia embarked on his journey by providing bespoke floral solutions. Today, seen in almost every corner of every city, FNP has made a mark and has pioneered the concept of organized flower market in India. FNP is a first-in-India floral brand that boasts 400 outlets in 120 cities nationwide and delivers across 155 countries worldwide. This is the largest in the flower delivery sector.Mr. Gutgutia over a period of time has scaled up his initial project into twelve verticals; FNP Retail and Franchising, FNP E-commerce - India | UAE | Singapore, FNP Cakes ‘N’ More, FNP Weddings & Events, FNP Gardens, Floral Touch – UAE, Flowers ‘N’ More, FNP Flagship Store, Sipping Thoughts, Wedding Design Hub, FNP Media and FNP Water. With a varied array of prestigious national and international awards to its credit, FNP has established a robust foothold globally.In this conversation you will learn about how Mr. Gutgutia started his journey, the inner workings of his flower business, his R&D strategy, some of the mistakes he made along the way, and more. Connecting the Dots with Vikaas Gutgutia on YoutubeFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube | Telegram

Aug 11, 2023 • 23min
#068 The RBI Does A Sleight Of Hand
On today’s episode, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Dr Brinda Jagirdar, well known economist, director on IDFC Bank and former State Bank Head of Economic Research as well as Kuldip Kumar, partner at Mainstay Tax Advisors LLP and an old PWC hand.SHOW NOTES[01:00] RBI does a sleight of hand, increases incremental cash reserve ratio, acknowledges higher inflation, leaves rates unchanged with Dr Brinda Jagirdar[08:21] China in deflation, what does that mean![10:21] A record number of Indians filed tax returns. What does this really mean? with Kuldip Kumar [18:11] The story of Ferns N Petals, the unicorn who could have been but decided not to. A conversation with Vikaas GutgutiaFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube | Telegram

Aug 10, 2023 • 25min
#067 The Reserve Bank Must Address Food Inflation
On today’s episode, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Pushan Sharma, Director of Research at CRISIL as well as Pramath Raj Sinha, former McKinsey & Co partner and now founder and chairman of Harappa Education, founding dean of the Indian School of Business and a founder of the Ashoka University.SHOW NOTES[01:05] It’s now T+3 for IPOs, means your stock will list in 3 days or money back! [03:24] After finance, Adanis may sell stake in another consumer facing business.[05:14] The Reserve Bank has to address food inflation even if it can do little to fight it.[14:21] And a view on if-and-where the dust has settled on the edtech frenzy with Pramath Raj Sinha, founder dean of the ISB.[21:28] WeWork Raises Doubt About Its Survival after the The co-working company issued a going-concern warning because its co-working clients are canceling their memberships at a faster clip[22:42] And hmm..India’s ministry of finance puts out a warning on matrimonial dating scams.For more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube | Telegram

Aug 9, 2023 • 21min
#066 Wheat Prices Swing Up To A Six Month High
On today’s episode, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Manish Raj Singhania, President of the Federation of Auto Dealers in India and also managing partner of Ralas Motors, based in Raipur in Chattisgarh.SHOW NOTES[00:55] China’s Trade Numbers Plunge Unexpectedly In July[02:54] Auto sales are slowing down, what’s driving it and trends with Manish Raj Singhania [11:53] The data points that are coming that we should be careful to not jump to conclusions[15:06] Now, wheat prices swing up to a 6-month high [18:48] And hmm..moonlighters forget to account for their extra incomes, get tax notices.For more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube | Telegram

Aug 8, 2023 • 24min
#065 It's A Bull Market And A Frenzied Bull Market
On today’s episode, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to ICICI Securities Equity Strategist Vinod Karki as well as Sanjay Agarwal, President of ELCINA (Electronic Industries Association of India) and MD at Globe Capacitors.SHOW NOTES[00:50] Its a bull market and a frenzied bull market at the same time. Why its time for some caution[07:58] Is India in a position to manufacture high end laptops right now ?[16:34] The cost of a vegetarian thali in India rose by 34 per cent in July, in just one month. [20:46] Global advertising giant WPP forecasts slower growth as tech majors pull back on spends.For more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube | Telegram