The Morning Brief

Pranab Kapadia, a veteran overseas film distributor, dives into Bollywood's international journey, revealing its leap from 300 screens in 2003 to a worldwide phenomenon today. He discusses the vital role of the U.S. market, which accounts for up to 50% of overseas revenue. The rise of streaming platforms poses new challenges, while shifting audience preferences could change the cinematic landscape. Pranab also explores the complexities of selecting films for global release and the growing influence of regional cinema, painting a vivid picture of Bollywood's future.

A tragic investigation reveals how contaminated cough syrups have led to the deaths of children in India. Grieving parents share heartbreaking accounts of their losses. Experts uncover the toxic substance diethylene glycol in these medicines and the regulatory neglect that allowed it to happen. The discussion highlights systemic flaws in drug safety, revealing the dangerous mix of outdated regulations and poor enforcement. Finally, the conversation turns to what reforms are needed to protect future generations from similar tragedies.

Sridhar Vembu, the founder and CEO of Zoho Corporation, shares insights on building a global SaaS giant from rural India without outside funding. He discusses Zoho's early commitment to SaaS and the significance of developing talent in small towns like Tenkasi. Vembu emphasizes the need for India's self-reliance in tech, protecting against the risks of foreign dependency. He also introduces Aritai, Zoho's new messaging app, focused on user privacy and experience, while reflecting on the challenges and lessons from other homegrown tech ventures.

Gunjan Soni, Country Managing Director of YouTube India, oversees a vibrant creator ecosystem in the country's fastest-growing market. She discusses the explosive rise of Shorts and the role of connected TVs in storytelling. Gunjan highlights how Indian creators are evolving into entrepreneurs, building trust and community through relatable content. They also tackle challenges like algorithm myths, creator burnout, and the impact of AI on content. Plus, she reveals insights into YouTube's diverse monetization models, showcasing the platform's potential for profitability.

Kumar Anshuman, a political reporter with firsthand insights from Bihar, dives into the intricacies of the upcoming assembly elections. He explores how caste dynamics and local issues shape voter sentiments, highlighting the fierce competition between Nitish Kumar, Tejashwi Yadav, and Prashant Kishor. Anshuman discusses the ramifications of recent voter roll changes, the significance of anti-incumbency, and key talking points like Kishor's strategies and Nitish's freebies that dominate the political landscape.

Wen Wen Han, Founder and CEO of the Short Drama Alliance, and Rajesh Naidu, entertainment reporter at The Economic Times, dive into the booming world of microdramas. Wen explores the inception of China's duanju, revealing its $7 billion market and innovative ad models. Rajesh discusses India's rapidly growing scene, identifying key players like Cuckoo TV. They also tackle localization strategies, audience demographics, and the potential for a market consolidation, suggesting that microdrama could redefine global storytelling.

Sugata Ghosh, Associate Editor at The Economic Times, joins to analyze the RBI's unprecedented announcement of 22 deregulation measures. They discuss how this historic shift allows banks to finance corporate takeovers and facilitates easier foreign borrowing. Sugata raises concerns about the readiness of banks to handle new risks and the implications for inflation targeting. The conversation dives into Governor Sanjay Malhotra's unique approach and the broad consensus among policymakers pushing for rapid deregulation to invigorate capital markets.

P. Manoj, a senior shipping and infrastructure journalist at The Economic Times, dives deep into the tangled web of geopolitical tension surrounding Iran’s Chabahar Port. With U.S. sanctions reinstated, Manoj illuminates the immediate impact on operations and humanitarian aid for Afghanistan. He discusses board resignations and the shifting ownership stakes, highlighting the complex legal questions India faces. The conversation also explores the strategic implications of Chabahar for India's trade corridors and the looming threat of Chinese influence in the region.

Vineet Nayar, former CEO of HCL Technologies and leader of Sampark Foundation, joins the discussion to explore the tech industry's current state. He emphasizes that AI is more about productivity than true disruption. Nayar critiques India’s talent pool for lacking problem-solving abilities, reflecting on a paradox where innovation thrives in digital policy yet falters in product development. He advocates for education reform to nurture real thinkers, while suggesting that tech investments should focus on solving mass societal issues.

Tarun Singh, Managing Director of Highbrow Securities and IPO expert, shares insights on Tata Capital's significant upcoming IPO. He discusses the strategic decision to price the IPO below prior levels to attract retail investors and the timing influenced by regulatory changes. Tarun warns about potential risks from the merger with Tata Motors Finance, highlighting challenges in loan mix and commercial vehicle exposure. He also emphasizes the importance of strong housing finance to offset stresses and the valuations being in line with industry standards.