The Morning Brief

Vinay Dube, a leader in the aviation industry, and Praveen Iyer, an influential figure at Akasa Air, dive into the remarkable journey of their airline. They discuss Akasa's rapid fleet expansion and their commitment to customer service. The duo reflects on overcoming challenges during a tech outage and utilizing AI to enhance the customer experience. They share insights on strategic route planning, lessons learned from swift growth, and the competitive landscape with major players like IndiGo and Air India in sight.

Ramkumar Ramamoorthy, a partner at Catalinics, and Bala Sankaranarayanan, CEO of Thryve Digital Health LLP, dive into the burgeoning role of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India. They discuss how these centres are shifting from traditional back-office functions to transformative digital service providers. The conversation highlights the geographical significance of cities like Bengaluru and Chennai, as well as the rise of specialized Nano GCCs in innovative fields like biotechnology. Insights into the healthcare sector's evolution and challenges with transfer pricing are also explored.

Recent GST demands have alarmed major corporations, igniting claims of 'tax terrorism.' The discussion unpacks the confusion and complexities surrounding GST, especially in areas like betting taxation. Key issues involve inconsistent interpretations of tax laws and legal ambiguities affecting service exports. Experts highlight the urgent need for clearer guidelines to reduce disputes and improve taxpayer rights. Is corporate mistrust towards tax authorities justifiable? Tune in for insights that could reshape how companies navigate India's GST landscape.

Ritesh Jain, Co-founder of Pinetree Macro, dives into recent turmoil in global financial markets driven by currency fluctuations and geopolitical tensions. He examines the Bank of Japan's surprising interest rate hike and its ripple effects across markets. Jain discusses the viability of the buy-on-dips investment strategy, emphasizing the importance of central bank policies. He also highlights gold's predicted rise as a resilient asset amidst global debt, and recommends strategic portfolio diversification for investors navigating these uncertain times.

Kingshuk Chatterjee, a history professor at the University of Calcutta, provides a deep dive into Bangladesh's escalating crisis. He discusses the political chaos following PM Sheikh Hasina's exile and the implications for India's regional interests. The conversation explores the potential for an interim government and the influence of Islamist groups. Historical contexts of secularism and democracy are examined, as well as the role of civil unrest in shaping political futures. It's a riveting look at a nation's struggle for stability.

The Supreme Court's recent ruling on sub-categorizing Scheduled Castes is a game-changer for India's reservation system. It raises questions about resource distribution among communities and addresses historical inequalities. Experts discuss the need for better data collection to understand disparities in education and employment. The debate around the 'creamy layer' complicates the reservation landscape, revealing political challenges and community dynamics. This insightful conversation unpacks the future of affirmative action in India.

Dia Rekhi, a tax expert, joins to discuss the staggering ₹32,000 crores tax notice faced by Infosys, a landmark issue in India’s IT landscape. They explore the implications of this case for the company and the broader sector, including potential impacts on compliance and reputation. Insights into the complexities of GST regulations and the confusion surrounding tax credits are also highlighted. The conversation emphasizes the necessity for clearer tax policies to mitigate risks for IT firms in India.

Sumantra Barooah, an auto expert with extensive knowledge of the electric vehicle sector, and Manu P Toms, focused on electric mobility's implications, dive into Ola Electric's upcoming IPO. They discuss how the IPO aims to raise 6100 crore rupees amid market excitement and concerns over rising losses. The duo examines Ola's operational strategies for product quality, after-sales support, and the competitive landscape as traditional manufacturers enter the electric scooter market, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities ahead for investors.

Mankind Pharma is making headlines with its massive acquisition of Bharat Serums and Vaccines for Rs 13,630 crore. This strategic move marks a significant shift towards the specialized healthcare market, especially in women's health and infertility. Experts discuss the implications for Mankind's industry standing and operational strategy. The deal not only showcases Mankind's ambition but also the critical role of innovation in reshaping India's pharmaceutical landscape. Can this bold step position them as a leader in the evolving market?

Former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and ET correspondent Dipanjan Roy Chaudhury discuss the unrest in Bangladesh over a 30% job quota for freedom fighter descendants, leading to protests, 200+ deaths, and regional stability concerns. They delve into economic implications, India's role, and empowerment challenges amidst public unrest.