The Morning Brief

Join Rajesh Naidu, ET's film business reporter, and veteran distributor Suniel Wadhwa, along with producer Vikram Malhotra, as they navigate Bollywood's current crisis. Discover why over 40 big-budget films have been shelved, despite the post-pandemic bounce. They delve into rising star fees, weak scripts, and shifting audience preferences towards OTT platforms. The trio also discusses innovative budget approaches and the need for consolidation in the industry to adapt and thrive in this new landscape.

Twesh Mishra, a transport reporter, and Anuraag Nallapaneni, a hydrogen program manager, dive into India's hydrogen-powered mobility revolution. They discuss the ambitious plans for hydrogen trains and the development of hydrogen ports. The conversation spans global hydrogen trends and India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, highlighting production challenges and the potential for eco-friendly transport. The duo also explores hydrogen’s future in various transportation sectors, weighing its promise against hurdles that lie ahead.

Jatin Takkar, an ET reporter with hands-on experience in Haryana's political landscape, shares insights on the shifting dynamics as the state heads toward elections. He discusses the pivotal role of the JAT community in shaping voter behavior and highlights the power struggles among local political dynasties. The conversation also sheds light on rising anti-government sentiments, especially among farmers and youth, alongside the influence of Haryana's rich sports culture on politics. Takkar provides a fascinating look into the factors driving this crucial electoral battleground.

The Indian government's fast-tracked surveillance guidelines are reshaping the CCTV landscape. With a focus on security and domestic manufacturing, these rules pose challenges for Chinese vendors like Hikvision and Dahua. Experts discuss the historical evolution and current market dynamics of CCTV surveillance in India, highlighting the shift from foreign technology to local suppliers. Geopolitical tensions add complexity, as several nations reconsider Chinese surveillance tech. This is a pivotal moment for India's security and manufacturing future.

Aditya Sood, a Fund Manager at Incred Asset Management, provides insight into India's upcoming wave of billion-dollar IPOs, including Hyundai's record-breaking offering. He discusses the challenging market landscape and examines Swiggy's position against competitor Zomato. The conversation highlights historical trends in IPO performance and the significance of macroeconomic conditions. Sood also emphasizes the importance of investor sentiment and understanding capital consumption as the market braces for potential disruptions from these colossal launches.

The podcast dives into the long-awaited assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir after nearly a decade. It explores significant political changes since 2014, including the abrogation of Article 370 and the new union territory status. With insights into intricate voter dynamics, the discussions highlight the rise of unexpected candidates like Engineer Rashid and the role of political alliances. The analysis also touches on youth discontent and the potential for a hung assembly, making it a crucial listen for anyone interested in J&K's evolving political landscape.

The buzz around the new iPhone 16 Pro launch in India highlights a growing consumer enthusiasm. Apple’s commitment to create 600,000 jobs emphasizes its investment in the local market. The discussion dives into competitive dynamics between India and China, exploring supply chain advantages. Special focus is given to India’s engineering talent, especially in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The podcast also examines how India is solidifying its role in the global electronics ecosystem through innovation and local manufacturing efforts.

P V Midhun Reddy, a YSR Congress Party MP from Rajampet, and Mathukumili Sribharat, a Vizag MP representing the Telugu Desam Party, dive into the controversy over Tirupati laddoos. This political firestorm began with allegations of adulterated ghee and erupted into a fierce showdown between Andhra Pradesh leaders. They discuss the broader implications for temple management, food safety, and the cultural significance of these sacred sweets, highlighting the intersection of politics, religion, and public trust.

Bajaj Housing Finance just made waves with its record-breaking IPO, oversubscribed 64 times! The discussion dives into its soaring valuation compared to peers and whether it's sustainable. The hosts explore Bajaj's strategic focus on high-quality mortgage loans and its competitive edge in tier two and three cities. They also tackle the key challenges in the housing finance market, including asset quality and management effectiveness. A fascinating look at the dynamics shaping the future of housing finance in India!

Antonoaldo Neves, the CEO of Etihad Airways Group, expertly navigates the challenges of balancing growth and profitability in the aviation industry. He reveals plans to save $150 million annually even as he aims to double the airline's size. Neves highlights India's emerging role as a leading aviation market and discusses strategic network optimizations. He also candidly addresses post-COVID air traffic challenges and the need for transparency among Gulf carriers, showing a unique blend of ambition and pragmatism.