The Morning Brief

Luis von Ahn, CEO and co-founder of Duolingo and the inventor of CAPTCHA, shares his insights on transforming education through gamified language learning. He discusses Duolingo's creative strategies, including their quirky owl mascot and humorous marketing. The conversation highlights the role of AI in education, exploring its potential to enhance rather than replace human learning. Luis also addresses challenges in monetization, especially in India, and the platform's exciting expansion into math and music.

Manu Pubby, a senior editor and defense expert at The Economic Times, dives into the escalating military tensions in Kashmir. He unpacks India’s recent precision strikes on Pakistan-based terror groups and the ensuing retaliatory actions. The discussion reveals a significant shift in India’s military strategy towards preemptive warfare. Pubby examines the dire conditions in Kashmir, the complexities of modern warfare, and the psychological toll on civilians, raising crucial questions about the future of security in the region.

Pallavi Joshi Bakhru, a Partner and UK Corridor Leader at Grant Thornton Bharat, joins the discussion on the ambitious UK-India trade agreement. She unpacks the potential economic benefits, including up to £900 million in tariff savings for UK exporters and improved access for Indian workers through a Social Security Agreement. They also discuss challenges like data protection and worker mobility. With insights on whether this deal can set a precedent for future agreements, particularly with the US, the conversation is a deep dive into a pivotal trade moment.

In this discussion, Akshay Chaturvedi, Founder of Leverage Edu, and Ankur Bharti from Grant Thornton Bharat delve into the shifting landscape of medical education for Indian aspirants. They tackle the credibility crisis of the NEET exam, exploring why students are increasingly looking abroad, especially in countries like Russia and Ukraine. The conversation addresses financial considerations, the emotional impact of the admissions process, and the importance of thorough research amidst a rise in misinformation. Are these new routes a smart strategy or simply a leap of faith?

Philippe Schaillee, the Global CEO of Costa Coffee since April 2023, shares insights into India's evolving coffee culture. He reveals how Costa is navigating the fierce competition from brands like Blue Tokai, emphasizing a city-focused growth strategy with local partnerships. The conversation dives into Gen Z's taste for cold brews and their influence on coffee trends. Philippe also discusses the challenges of post-COVID inflation and maintaining quality, while positioning Costa Coffee as a key player in the burgeoning Indian coffee market.

Join industry titans Brandon B, Mayo Japan, and Mark Rober as they delve into the world of content creation. Brandon discusses his journey with VFX and viral storytelling, while Mayo shares her experiences bridging Indian and Japanese cultures through culinary content. Mark, a former NASA engineer, details how STEM storytelling has captivated audiences. They explore the role of AI in creativity, diverse monetization strategies beyond ads, and the importance of authenticity in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

As global tensions intensify from tariffs to terror the question arises: Are India-China relations quietly warming beneath the surface? Despite diplomatic frost after the Galwan clash, trade tells a different story. In 2023, bilateral trade reached a staggering $136.2 billion, with China remaining one of India’s top partners. From telecom to pharma, Chinese components power critical sectors of the Indian economy. China has even begun sending positive signals issuing over 85,000 visas to Indians in just four months and allowing Indian leadership in Chinese firms’ local operations. So, is this economic interdependence a path to reconciliation or just strategic convenience? Even as New Delhi curbs Chinese apps and investments, the flow of goods and even visas continues. Host Anirban Chaudhury talks to Wendong Zhang, Professor and Economist at Cornell University; Ashok Kantha, India’s former ambassador to China; and ET’s Dipanjan Roy Choudhury about why, as China faces a bruising tariff war with the US, India may be more economically indispensable than it appears. Is this economic pragmatism a sign of strategic recalibration?Tune In.Check out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, The Curious Case of IndusInd Bank, The Influencer Economy’s Quiet Reset, India’s Biggest Hospital has a Chronic Illness and much more.You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and LinkedinCatch 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.

India’s move to hold the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance marks a watershed moment with far-reaching consequences is the starkest example of weaponizing the natural resource in recent times. The IWT, critical to both countries and a lifestream for Pakistan, has survived 6 decades of hostilities and 4 armed conflics. But it has been marked with disputes and disagreements. The Pahalgam attacks was the last straw that made India take the extreme step of keeping it in abeyance. In this episode of The Morning Brief, host Anirban Chowdhury speaks with leading experts Anubhuti Vishnoi, Senior Editor,at The Economic Times and Pranab Dhal Samanta, Executive Editor (Politics),at The Economic Times to unpack the legal, political, and strategic dimensions of this bold decision. What does holding the treaty "in abeyance" truly mean under international law? Could this signal a shift in India’s approach to critical resource diplomacy? And as energy security takes center stage, will Jammu & Kashmir finally unlock its vast hydroelectric potential?Moreover, could India’s stance on the IWT set a powerful precedent for future water-sharing agreements across the region—and challenge the established global norms? Stay tuned as we explore the high stakes, hidden challenges, and historic opportunities emerging from this unfolding story.   Tune in.Check out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, The Curious Case of IndusInd Bank, The Influencer Economy’s Quiet Reset, India’s Biggest Hospital has a Chronic Illness and much more.You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and LinkedinYou can follow Pranab Dhal Samanta on his social media: Twitter and Linkedin You can follow Anubhuti Vishnoi on her social media: Twitter and LinkedinCatch 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.

India has responded to the terror attacks in Pahalgam that claimed at least 25 lives of innocent tourists. A quick probe has been followed by a 5 point onslaught that strikes at an age-old water sharing agreement, infiltration,  visas and diplomatic representation. Is a war imminent? Host Anirban Chowdhury is joined by ET’s defence expert Manu Pubby and diplomatic editor Dipanjan Roy Chaudhury for an in-depth breakdown of the ongoing investigation, India’s counter strike and what lies ahead. Tune in. Check out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, The Curious Case of IndusInd Bank, The Influencer Economy’s Quiet Reset, India’s Biggest Hospital has a Chronic Illness and much more.You can follow Manu Pubby on his social media: Twitter and Linkedin or StoriesYou can follow Dipanjan Roy Chaudhury on his social media: Twitter and Linkedin or Stories  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.

Hakeem Irfan Rashid, an Economic Times Kashmir correspondent and expert on Kashmir affairs, joins the discussion to unpack the shocking Baisaran Valley terrorist attack that claimed 26 lives. He analyzes the calculated targeting of civilians and its chilling implications for the region’s post-Article 370 image. The talk delves into the implications for local tourism, highlighting the fear now gripping the valley as cancellations flood in. Rashid also addresses the pressing needs for improved security infrastructure and the rising calls for statehood amidst escalating communal tensions.