The Morning Brief

Manu Toms, a senior editor at ET Prime, and Poonam Chandel, managing director of NeuWorld Spirits, dissect the rise and fall of Bira 91, India's once-popular craft beer. They explore founder Ankur Jain's ambitious vision, the brand's expansion missteps, and financial mismanagement. Poonam highlights the operational complexities of the beer industry, while Manu discusses the alarming employee activism and investor pressures signaling possible insolvency. Together, they illuminate Bira's sobering journey from a vibrant startup to a cautionary tale.

Peyush Bansal, co-founder and CEO of Lenskart, shares insights on transforming a humble online contact lens seller into a global eyewear powerhouse. He discusses ambitious international expansion strategies, revealing that 40% of revenue now stems from abroad. Bansal dives into the tech revolution with smart glasses and AI-led eye tests. He emphasizes the importance of balancing valuation with long-term vision, and how Lenskart's IPO is a strategic milestone. Listeners get a glimpse into the challenges and innovations that lie ahead.

William Beardmore-Gray, Global Chairman of Knight Frank, and Shishir Baijal, Chairman of Knight Frank India, delve into India's real estate revolution. They discuss record-high office demand fueled by GCC expansion and the rise of luxury housing sales. With insights on how reforms like GST boost investment appeal, they explore the impacts of PropTech and AI on property strategies. Additionally, learn about the lessons from China’s property slowdown and the growing interest in sectors like logistics and living spaces, underscoring India's ascent in global markets.

Jaydeep Barman, Co-founder and Group CEO of Rebel Foods, shares how his cloud-kitchen company reshaped India's restaurant market. He discusses Rebel’s move to a kitchen-only model, driven by survival pressures and delivery demands. Jaydeep highlights their unique no-CV hiring process, emphasizing a founder mentality. He reveals insights on operational complexities across multiple cooking brands and the tech powering their kitchens. Excitingly, he hints at profitability on the horizon and plans for an IPO next year.

Laura Houldsworth, Managing Director and VP of Asia-Pacific at Booking.com, shares insights on the transformative trends in travel. She highlights India's vast potential for growth, driven by digital-first travelers and a shift towards spiritual and alternative stays. The use of AI for personalized experiences is a game-changer, enabling tailored recommendations and smoother journeys. Lastly, Laura discusses strategies for balancing price sensitivity with enhanced experiences and the importance of diverse accommodation options to cater to evolving traveler preferences.

Pranab Kapadia, a veteran overseas film distributor, dives into Bollywood's international journey, revealing its leap from 300 screens in 2003 to a worldwide phenomenon today. He discusses the vital role of the U.S. market, which accounts for up to 50% of overseas revenue. The rise of streaming platforms poses new challenges, while shifting audience preferences could change the cinematic landscape. Pranab also explores the complexities of selecting films for global release and the growing influence of regional cinema, painting a vivid picture of Bollywood's future.

A tragic investigation reveals how contaminated cough syrups have led to the deaths of children in India. Grieving parents share heartbreaking accounts of their losses. Experts uncover the toxic substance diethylene glycol in these medicines and the regulatory neglect that allowed it to happen. The discussion highlights systemic flaws in drug safety, revealing the dangerous mix of outdated regulations and poor enforcement. Finally, the conversation turns to what reforms are needed to protect future generations from similar tragedies.

Sridhar Vembu, the founder and CEO of Zoho Corporation, shares insights on building a global SaaS giant from rural India without outside funding. He discusses Zoho's early commitment to SaaS and the significance of developing talent in small towns like Tenkasi. Vembu emphasizes the need for India's self-reliance in tech, protecting against the risks of foreign dependency. He also introduces Aritai, Zoho's new messaging app, focused on user privacy and experience, while reflecting on the challenges and lessons from other homegrown tech ventures.

Gunjan Soni, Country Managing Director of YouTube India, oversees a vibrant creator ecosystem in the country's fastest-growing market. She discusses the explosive rise of Shorts and the role of connected TVs in storytelling. Gunjan highlights how Indian creators are evolving into entrepreneurs, building trust and community through relatable content. They also tackle challenges like algorithm myths, creator burnout, and the impact of AI on content. Plus, she reveals insights into YouTube's diverse monetization models, showcasing the platform's potential for profitability.

Kumar Anshuman, a political reporter with firsthand insights from Bihar, dives into the intricacies of the upcoming assembly elections. He explores how caste dynamics and local issues shape voter sentiments, highlighting the fierce competition between Nitish Kumar, Tejashwi Yadav, and Prashant Kishor. Anshuman discusses the ramifications of recent voter roll changes, the significance of anti-incumbency, and key talking points like Kishor's strategies and Nitish's freebies that dominate the political landscape.