The Morning Brief

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Kamna Shukla, dentist and supportive wife of astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, shares heartfelt insights into their remarkable journey together. From their playful childhood friendship to the emotional intricacies of being married to an astronaut, she offers a unique perspective on love and sacrifices. Space reporter Chetan Kumar updates listeners on the Axiom 4 mission, detailing Shubhanshu's preparations and ambitions. Together, they explore the significance of his mission for India and the strong familial bonds that endure across the cosmos.

What happens when long-simmering tensions between two regional powers erupt into a flashpoint for global concern? In this episode of The Morning Brief, host Anirban Chowdhury is joined by Barbara Slavin, distinguished fellow at the Stimson Centre to unpack the fragile but ferocious dynamic between Iran and Israel. Framed by the October 7th Hamas attacks and the Gaza War, the conversation traces the deeper history of Iran’s relationship with Israel and the rise of the so-called Axis of Resistance. From regime stability in Tehran to nuclear ambitions, Barbara offers insight into whether this conflict marks a shift in Iran’s regional strategy or simply a recalibration.The episode also probes the role of the United States, questioning why it acts as a combatant rather than a mediator and whether its long-standing “maximum deterrence” doctrine still holds water. Is there still hope for peace?  Tune in:You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and LinkedinCheck out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, Health Hazards in your Grocery Bag, Trump vs Harvard: India Impact, Explaining India’s Record FDI Freefall and much more.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.

Aurobindo Handa, former Director General of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau and Indian Air Force veteran, shares his insights into air crash investigations. He discusses the tragic Air India flight incident and the complexities of analyzing damaged black boxes. Handa highlights the challenges faced by India's investigation teams, including budget constraints and staffing shortages. He emphasizes the importance of meticulous data analysis and international cooperation in uncovering the truth behind air accidents. His experience sheds light on the critical need for effective oversight in aviation safety.

Amit Singh, a seasoned aviation safety expert, joins Forum Gandhi and Arindam Majumder, both aviation analysts at the Economic Times. They discuss the tragic Air India flight AI171 crash, diving into operational failures and regulatory shortcomings that led to India’s worst aviation disaster in years. The conversation highlights the emotional impact on victims' families, the investigation's complex dynamics, and the pressing need for robust safety protocols. They also critique current oversight practices and the ongoing challenges in the aviation sector.

Ankit Somani, Co-founder of Conifer, specializes in developing powertrains utilizing ferrite magnets. Hemal Thakkar, Senior Practice Leader at Crisil Intelligence, provides insights into the economic implications of rare earths. They discuss India's struggle amidst rare earth shortages impacting the auto sector, largely due to China's dominance in exports. The conversation covers the urgent need for alternative sourcing strategies and the potential of innovative technologies to overcome production challenges while exploring India's future in electric mobility.

John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express and a seasoned veteran with 40 years at the company, discusses the pivotal role of logistics in today's global trade landscape. He shares insights on how DHL has strategically adapted to geopolitical shifts, emphasizing opportunities in emerging markets like India. Pearson highlights the company’s commitment to sustainability with significant investments planned in electric vehicles. He also explores the impact of the US-China trade war and the importance of strategic investments in adapting to new trade dynamics.

Ratna Bhushan, a top retail reporter from ET, joins host Anirban Chowdhury to unveil alarming truths about food safety in India’s booming quick commerce sector. They discuss a shocking incident involving a spoiled mango lassi that raises red flags about hygiene in dark stores. With broken packaging and near-expiry products prevalent, the conversation navigates the risks consumers face, especially vulnerable populations. The duo advocates for accountability and stricter regulations to ensure safe grocery deliveries in this convenience-driven era.

Srinath Sridharan, a corporate advisor and author of 'Family and Dhanda', joins Falguni Shah, Partner at PwC, specializing in family business dynamics. They discuss the pressing need for formal succession planning in Indian family businesses as generational transitions approach. Insights into emotional dynamics and legal challenges are shared, along with the significance of family constitutions. They explore the evolving landscape influenced by private equity and changing cultural attitudes, highlighting the importance of governance structures and gender inclusion in leadership roles.

Yannick Bolloré, Chairman and CEO of Havas Group, shares insights on the booming Indian advertising market, emphasizing its unique landscape compared to the global scene. He discusses how India's digital ad growth, driven by a rising middle class, is a blueprint for future strategies. With a significant workforce expansion and a strong focus on AI, Bolloré highlights the importance of embracing technology for personalized campaigns. He also touches on geopolitical impacts on advertising, revealing the dual challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Deepak Ahluwalia, a U.S.-based immigration lawyer, sheds light on the tense standoff between the Trump administration and Harvard over international students. He discusses how this conflict creates anxiety for Indian families weighing higher education options in the U.S. The conversation explores the impact of stringent immigration policies on admissions, the ramifications for diversity at U.S. universities, and whether a single institution can maintain its leading role amidst these challenges. Insightful perspectives on the future of academic aspirations are key highlights.