The Morning Brief

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu recently met with top CEOs at Sri City, Tirupati, to rally investment, but his unexpected focus on population growth stole the spotlight. Earlier in August, his Cabinet scrapped the two-child rule for local elections, prompting questions about his strategy. Why is a leader known for sharp political and economic insights now zeroing in on population management and the North-South divide? In this episode of The Morning Brief, host Nidhi Sharma discusses Naidu's surprising policy shift and its potential impact with Telugu Desam Party MP  Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayulu and Professor Sanjay Kumar from the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies.Stay tuned to understand what's driving these decisions and what they mean for Andhra Pradesh's future. Credits: ABN Telugu ET Podcasts now has a new show. 7@7 is your quick, sharp sub 5 minute daily roundup of financial news from India and the world. Tune in to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Prime Music, Jio Saavn, Youtube or wherever you get your podcasts from!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.

In this insightful discussion, fintech expert Pratik Bhakta from Economic Times explores the rocky terrain of India's P2P lending industry. He outlines the recent RBI mandate and its potential to reshape the landscape, discussing the operational challenges and risks like liquidity and defaults. Pratik emphasizes the need for startups to adapt to the new regulatory environment while retaining consumer trust. The conversation uncovers critical hurdles that lenders face and the industry’s future amidst growing costs and compliance issues.

In this engaging discussion, Kelly Mahon Tullier, Vice Chair of Visa, shares insights about India's dynamic digital payments landscape. She emphasizes the importance of empowering women entrepreneurs, with initiatives aimed at helping over 10,000 women join the digital economy. The conversation also covers the evolution from cash to digital payments, highlighting Visa's innovations at their Bangalore campus. Additionally, Tullier discusses advanced fraud prevention measures and the critical role of cybersecurity in fostering trust within financial services.

Rajesh Jejurikar, the CEO of the automotive and farm sector at Mahindra & Mahindra, shares insights into the company’s leadership in the SUV market. He discusses their ambitious electric vehicle strategies and a potential partnership with Skoda to boost innovation. The conversation also dives into the art of storytelling in automotive marketing and how it shapes customer engagement. Furthermore, Jejurikar highlights strategic pricing initiatives and global market expansion plans, emphasizing adaptability in a rapidly changing industry.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Ammara Hasan, a Radiation Oncologist, and Aparna Mittal, a DEI advisor and Corporate Lawyer, delve into the pressing issue of women's safety in the medical field, sparked by a recent incident at R G Kar Medical College. They share harrowing firsthand accounts of harassment and discrimination faced by female doctors. The conversation highlights the need for systemic changes in labor laws and workplace policies, emphasizing the crucial role of societal awareness and support to create a safer environment for women in healthcare.

Srikanth Velamakanni, co-founder of Fractal, shares insights from his journey leading India’s first AI analytics unicorn. He discusses the company's remarkable rise, facing a leadership crisis, and ultimate IPO prospects. The conversation delves into the role of AI in enhancing public safety, such as reducing railway accidents. Velamakanni also navigates the challenges and ethical implications of AI, stressing the need for responsible development and regulation. His story is one of resilience, innovation, and the transformative power of technology.

Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram, faces serious scrutiny after his arrest in France over content moderation issues on the platform. The conversation delves into Telegram's troubling transformation from a free speech champion to a haven for piracy and exploitation. Durov discusses the challenges of balancing user privacy with the risks of illegal content. Experts weigh in on government pressures, regulatory compliance, and the potential impacts of new data privacy laws on social media, highlighting the urgent need for effective content management.

Monika Shergill, the VP of Content at Netflix India, shares her insights on the dynamic growth of Netflix's content strategy in India. She discusses how original series like 'Sacred Games' have transformed the landscape, emphasizing the need for quality and variety. Monika highlights the innovative storytelling methods adopted during the pandemic and the importance of local narratives resonating globally. The conversation also touches on Netflix's unique recommendation algorithms and the rise of regional content, showcasing the evolving Indian streaming landscape.

Michael Edmonds from Blue Origin, focused on making space travel accessible, teams up with Gopichand Thotakura, India's first civilian astronaut. They dive into the transformation of space exploration from an elite domain to a public experience. Listeners hear about the life-changing moments of astronauts and the emerging space industry in India with over 250 startups. The duo emphasizes the importance of STEAM education to inspire future generations as they explore humanity's deeper connections to Earth from the cosmos.

Dr. TRB Rajaa, the Industries Minister of Tamil Nadu, and Dr. Arup C, a historian and professor, delve into the transformation of Hosur, positioning it as a potential successor to Jamshedpur. They discuss Tata Group's major projects and the socio-economic upliftment brought to the community, including new job opportunities, especially for women. The conversation highlights the need for robust infrastructure and services to support this growth while reflecting on lessons from Jamshedpur's established urban planning.