The Morning Brief

In this conversation, Ravi Kumar S, CEO of Cognizant, dives into how AI is revolutionizing IT services. He discusses the intriguing notion of machines writing 20% of code and the push for interdisciplinary talent to redefine productivity. Ravi highlights Cognizant's NEURO platform and open-source initiatives, aiming to create a more agile tech ecosystem. He also shares insights on India’s potential as a global AI hub, addressing the challenges of data regulation and computing resources while emphasizing the spirit of frugal innovation.

In a riveting discussion, Anubhuti Vishnoi, Senior Editor at the Economic Times, and Ashok Lavasa, former Chief Election Commissioner, dissect Bihar's controversial voter list revision. They debate whether the Election Commission's demands for new documents are a necessary update or a strategy for disenfranchisement. The conversation highlights legal challenges, public confusion, and the implications for democracy, raising urgent questions about citizenship and the protection of voters' rights amidst impending elections.

Sugata Ghosh, a finance guru from ET, and Reena Zachariah, a keen tracker of Indian market regulations, dive into the controversial ban on Jane Street. They discuss SEBI's aggressive crackdown on the trading firm over alleged market manipulation strategies. The conversation sheds light on the complexities of options trading in India and the implications for investors. Listeners will learn about the challenges regulators face and the potential future landscape of algo trading in India.

In this insightful conversation, Sunaina Kumar, a Senior Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, sheds light on the often-overlooked burdens women carry in caregiving and domestic tasks. Despite their achievements, many women still face significant inequities at home and work. Kumar discusses the economic implications of unpaid labor and emphasizes the urgency for cultural and policy changes. She also advocates for flexible work arrangements and supports stronger male involvement in caregiving to foster equity and empower women's roles in the workforce.

In this engaging discussion, Abbas Ali Zaveri, founder of Hype Fly India, shares insights on the explosive rise of Labubu collectibles in India. From niche toys to coveted items driven by celebrity endorsements, Labubu's market has exploded—from ₹4,000 to over ₹1 crore. Zaveri dives into the reselling craze and the challenges of authenticity in a landscape battling counterfeits. The conversation also highlights how this trend is transforming the demographics of collectors, particularly the rising participation of women, fueled by community and exclusivity.

Amitabh Chaudhry, MD & CEO of Axis Bank, discusses the challenges of transforming Axis into India's third-largest private sector bank since 2019. He candidly addresses slower growth compared to competitors like ICICI and HDFC Bank. The conversation dives into the impact of recent RBI policy changes on banking dynamics, examining interest rate fluctuations and their effects on depositors. Chaudhry also highlights India's resilient economic landscape and the ongoing transformation within the banking sector, focusing on strategic opportunities for growth amidst global uncertainties.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Kamna Shukla, dentist and supportive wife of astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, shares heartfelt insights into their remarkable journey together. From their playful childhood friendship to the emotional intricacies of being married to an astronaut, she offers a unique perspective on love and sacrifices. Space reporter Chetan Kumar updates listeners on the Axiom 4 mission, detailing Shubhanshu's preparations and ambitions. Together, they explore the significance of his mission for India and the strong familial bonds that endure across the cosmos.

What happens when long-simmering tensions between two regional powers erupt into a flashpoint for global concern? In this episode of The Morning Brief, host Anirban Chowdhury is joined by Barbara Slavin, distinguished fellow at the Stimson Centre to unpack the fragile but ferocious dynamic between Iran and Israel. Framed by the October 7th Hamas attacks and the Gaza War, the conversation traces the deeper history of Iran’s relationship with Israel and the rise of the so-called Axis of Resistance. From regime stability in Tehran to nuclear ambitions, Barbara offers insight into whether this conflict marks a shift in Iran’s regional strategy or simply a recalibration.The episode also probes the role of the United States, questioning why it acts as a combatant rather than a mediator and whether its long-standing “maximum deterrence” doctrine still holds water. Is there still hope for peace?  Tune in:You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and LinkedinCheck out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, Health Hazards in your Grocery Bag, Trump vs Harvard: India Impact, Explaining India’s Record FDI Freefall and much more.Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.Credits: Foxnews, India Today GlobalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aurobindo Handa, former Director General of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau and Indian Air Force veteran, shares his insights into air crash investigations. He discusses the tragic Air India flight incident and the complexities of analyzing damaged black boxes. Handa highlights the challenges faced by India's investigation teams, including budget constraints and staffing shortages. He emphasizes the importance of meticulous data analysis and international cooperation in uncovering the truth behind air accidents. His experience sheds light on the critical need for effective oversight in aviation safety.

Amit Singh, a seasoned aviation safety expert, joins Forum Gandhi and Arindam Majumder, both aviation analysts at the Economic Times. They discuss the tragic Air India flight AI171 crash, diving into operational failures and regulatory shortcomings that led to India’s worst aviation disaster in years. The conversation highlights the emotional impact on victims' families, the investigation's complex dynamics, and the pressing need for robust safety protocols. They also critique current oversight practices and the ongoing challenges in the aviation sector.