The Morning Brief

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Muktesh Chander, former DGP of Goa and cyber security expert, sheds light on the chilling rise of digital arrest scams. He explains the disturbing tactics used by scammers, including deepfake videos and impersonation of law enforcement. A heart-wrenching account from a victim reveals the psychological manipulation and fear that drive individuals to make costly mistakes. The conversation also emphasizes the urgency of enhancing digital awareness and the need for vigilance in today's tech-driven world.

Dipanjan Roy Chaudhury, ET's diplomatic editor, delves into the implications of Donald Trump’s return to the presidency for India. He discusses how Trump's policies could reshape trade, immigration, and foreign relations. The conversation highlights the evolving U.S.-India dynamics, the potential benefits of Trump's America First agenda, and the opportunities for India amid U.S.-China tensions. Also explored is India's hopeful outlook on improved diplomatic ties and economic prospects as global politics shift.

Sangita Mehta, ET’s Banking Editor, and Sachin Gupta, Chief Ratings Officer at CARE Ratings Ltd, dive deep into the RBI's latest draft guidelines. They discuss the significant shift requiring banks to handle lending and deposit activities directly, which could reshape banking structures and balance sheets. The conversation highlights how these regulations may challenge traditional practices, impact upcoming IPOs, and even lead to potential mergers among banks. The duo provides keen insights into the evolving landscape of the banking sector and consumer protections.

Suraksha P, the Tech Tracker in Chief at ET, and Jaspreet Bindra, the founder of AI & Beyond, delve into the exciting intersection of Nvidia's ambitions and India's vast tech talent. They discuss Nvidia's recent partnership with Reliance to bolster AI infrastructure. The conversation highlights India's potential shift from traditional IT roles to innovation and how localized AI solutions can empower society. Emphasizing the importance of sovereignty in AI, they explore how this collaboration could lead to significant advancements in agriculture, healthcare, and more.

Arindam Majumder, an airline tracker for The Economic Times, sheds light on the unprecedented surge of flight threats in India, detailing nearly 100 bomb threat calls in just a week. He discusses the chaos faced by airlines and the financial toll of this crisis. The conversation dives into the challenges of tracing perpetrators and the evolving threats posed by social media. With laws being amended and security protocols under review, Majumder emphasizes the need for improved strategies to restore passenger confidence and bolster aviation safety.

Sachin Taparia, founder of LocalCircles, Manisha Kapoor, Secretary General of ASCI, and Nidhi Khare, India’s Consumer Affairs Secretary, delve into the troubling world of dark patterns in e-commerce. They discuss how deceptive design tricks manipulate Indian consumers, often leading them to unintended purchases. The trio highlights the alarming prevalence of these practices across platforms and the government's lagging response. Urgent calls for greater consumer awareness and ethical design practices shape the conversation, aiming to restore trust in digital marketplaces.

Deepak Shenoy, Founder of Capitalmind, and Sudhakara Reddy, Associate Professor at IIM-Calcutta, delve into SEBI's recent regulations on Futures and Options trading. They discuss the shift towards tighter restrictions aimed at protecting retail traders, highlighting the alarming rise in retail participation and significant losses incurred. The duo explores the macroeconomic implications of these changes, including liquidity concerns and the trend of funds moving to riskier bets, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced financial literacy in this evolving landscape.

In this insightful discussion, Rashmi Rajput, an expert on financial crimes at ET, and D Sivandandan, former police commissioner of Mumbai, delve into the chilling resurgence of organized crime in India through the lens of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. They uncover how this once small-time gang has gained prominence amidst high-profile murders and what this means for gang dynamics today. With a focus on strategies for combatting mafia extortion, the duo emphasizes the looming threats in Mumbai and the need for urgent law enforcement innovations.

Harsh V Pant is a foreign policy expert at the Observer Research Foundation, and Pranab Dhal Samanta is the geopolitical guru at the Economic Times. They dive into the escalating tensions between India and Canada, sparked by allegations surrounding Hardeep Singh Nijjar's assassination. The discussion highlights historical ties, the influence of the Trudeau legacy, and how domestic politics shape foreign relations. They also assess the roles of major global players and the implications for trade amidst rising diplomatic strains.

Kala Vijayraghavan, ET's national corporate editor, dives into the pivotal transition at the Tata Group as Noel Tata steps up as chairman of Tata Trusts. They discuss the challenges he faces, from managing a complex board to restoring unity post-Ratan Tata. The pair also explore Tata Trust's critical role in decision-making and its intricate relationship with the SP Group. The conversation highlights the enduring legacy of Tata’s leadership style and the emerging roles of the next generation in shaping the group’s future.