The Morning Brief

In a compelling discussion, Madan Sabnavis, Chief Economist at Bank of Baroda, reveals how the Indian rupee's volatility affects households across the country. With the rupee toppling even amidst strong GDP growth, he highlights the lag in import costs and their impact on consumer prices. Sabnavis cautions that short-term swings hurt more than gradual declines, and shares insights on hedging strategies for importing firms. He also discusses the critical role of US trade talks in determining the rupee's future, offering listeners a thought-provoking look at India's economic landscape.

A.B. Vanak, Director at the Centre for Policy Design at ATREE-CPD, discusses the misconception of India’s grasslands as 'wastelands.' He highlights their crucial role in the economy, linking them to essential food sources like milk and meat worth ₹1.3 lakh crore annually. Vanak critiques the conversion of these ecosystems into solar farms without proper assessments. He emphasizes the importance of grasslands as carbon sinks and advocates for policy changes to protect these vital landscapes and the communities that rely on them.

In this conversation, Alex Bouaziz, co-founder and CEO of Deel, delves into the evolution of his global HR and payroll platform, now operating in over 150 countries. He shares insights on navigating early pivots, the significance of 'founder–product fit,' and Deel's expansion plans, particularly in India. Alex discusses the surge in demand for tech and AI talent, the impact of stricter U.S. immigration laws, and how Deel maintains a competitive edge with extensive payroll infrastructure. Tune in for a fascinating look at the future of remote work!

Join Pranab Dhal Samanta, Executive Editor for The Economic Times, and Anubhuti Vishnoi, energy and policy reporter, as they delve into India's transformative Shanti Bill. Pranab shares insights on India’s historical nuclear journey and the impact of earlier liability laws that hampered growth. Anubhuti explains how the bill consolidates regulations, eliminates supplier liability, and opens the market to private companies. Their discussion reveals how this potential reshaping of nuclear energy could significantly enhance India's energy landscape.

Stefan Oelrich, Global Head of Pharmaceuticals at Bayer AG, shares insights on the dynamic pharmaceutical landscape. He discusses challenges, such as Europe's struggle with innovation amid rising competition from the US and China, and underscores the need for faster regulations. Oelrich highlights Bayer's focus on new drug launches to counter revenue losses and emphasizes the importance of equitable access to breakthroughs, particularly as they explore cell and gene therapies. His optimism for India's market potential showcases Bayer's strategic partnerships and a tailored approach to local needs.

Basant Kaur, Country Head of C2FO India and expert in early payment solutions, joins Ramesh Dharmaji, Senior Advisor at the Global Alliance for Mass Entrepreneurship, to tackle India's staggering 7.3 lakh crore rupee payment backlog for MSMEs. They discuss the flaws in the 45-day payment rule and why regulations are failing. Insightfully, they explore the role of banking in MSME credit expansion and advocate for incentivizing buyer behavior rather than penalties. The conversation wraps up with potential fixes to streamline dispute resolutions and improve TReDS participation.

Mallika Noorani, a lawyer at Parinam Law Associates specializing in digital media regulations, discusses critical compliance gaps in microdrama apps. She highlights the absence of age gating and health disclaimers, revealing how these platforms operate outside the law. Noorani explains why they qualify as publishers under current guidelines, the need for proper grievance systems, and the implications of weak content ratings. The conversation sheds light on the regulatory blind spots and the importance of protecting users from hidden dangers in curated digital content.

In a compelling discussion, Ashish Thusoo, co-founder and CEO of CurieTech AI, shares his journey from Oracle to transforming data processing at Facebook. He explores the emergence of AI-driven automation and its implications for Indian IT, emphasizing the need for adaptation and leveraging domain knowledge. Thusoo addresses concerns about the AI bubble, circular investments, and H-1B visa policies affecting talent flow. He articulates how CurieTech's AI-first approach can redefine software delivery and accelerate development cycles in enterprise systems.

In this insightful discussion, Uday Kotak, founder of Kotak Mahindra Bank, emphasizes the importance of political stability and long-term investment for India’s growth. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, a senior lawyer, highlights the urgent need for judicial reforms and timelines to enhance contract enforcement. The conversation explores the paradox of strong economic indicators juxtaposed with concerns over private capex and R&D underinvestment. Panelists also celebrate rising rural incomes and the entrepreneurial spirit emerging beyond major metros.

In this insightful discussion, Sachin Taparia, founder of Local Circles, shares alarming findings that about half of quick-commerce packaged foods are unhealthy, particularly impacting Gen Z's impulsive ordering habits. Dr. Arun Gupta, a public-health expert, highlights the serious health risks of ultra-processed foods, linking them to diseases like obesity and diabetes. Both guests advocate for urgent regulatory changes, including effective front-of-pack warning labels, to address this growing health crisis while emphasizing the need for platforms to support healthier choices.