The Morning Brief

Ankit Somani, Co-founder of Conifer, specializes in developing powertrains utilizing ferrite magnets. Hemal Thakkar, Senior Practice Leader at Crisil Intelligence, provides insights into the economic implications of rare earths. They discuss India's struggle amidst rare earth shortages impacting the auto sector, largely due to China's dominance in exports. The conversation covers the urgent need for alternative sourcing strategies and the potential of innovative technologies to overcome production challenges while exploring India's future in electric mobility.

John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express and a seasoned veteran with 40 years at the company, discusses the pivotal role of logistics in today's global trade landscape. He shares insights on how DHL has strategically adapted to geopolitical shifts, emphasizing opportunities in emerging markets like India. Pearson highlights the company’s commitment to sustainability with significant investments planned in electric vehicles. He also explores the impact of the US-China trade war and the importance of strategic investments in adapting to new trade dynamics.

Ratna Bhushan, a top retail reporter from ET, joins host Anirban Chowdhury to unveil alarming truths about food safety in India’s booming quick commerce sector. They discuss a shocking incident involving a spoiled mango lassi that raises red flags about hygiene in dark stores. With broken packaging and near-expiry products prevalent, the conversation navigates the risks consumers face, especially vulnerable populations. The duo advocates for accountability and stricter regulations to ensure safe grocery deliveries in this convenience-driven era.

Srinath Sridharan, a corporate advisor and author of 'Family and Dhanda', joins Falguni Shah, Partner at PwC, specializing in family business dynamics. They discuss the pressing need for formal succession planning in Indian family businesses as generational transitions approach. Insights into emotional dynamics and legal challenges are shared, along with the significance of family constitutions. They explore the evolving landscape influenced by private equity and changing cultural attitudes, highlighting the importance of governance structures and gender inclusion in leadership roles.

Yannick Bolloré, Chairman and CEO of Havas Group, shares insights on the booming Indian advertising market, emphasizing its unique landscape compared to the global scene. He discusses how India's digital ad growth, driven by a rising middle class, is a blueprint for future strategies. With a significant workforce expansion and a strong focus on AI, Bolloré highlights the importance of embracing technology for personalized campaigns. He also touches on geopolitical impacts on advertising, revealing the dual challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Deepak Ahluwalia, a U.S.-based immigration lawyer, sheds light on the tense standoff between the Trump administration and Harvard over international students. He discusses how this conflict creates anxiety for Indian families weighing higher education options in the U.S. The conversation explores the impact of stringent immigration policies on admissions, the ramifications for diversity at U.S. universities, and whether a single institution can maintain its leading role amidst these challenges. Insightful perspectives on the future of academic aspirations are key highlights.

Patrick McGee, Financial Times’ lead Apple reporter and author of 'Apple in China', discusses Apple's deep ties to China and the geopolitical implications of its manufacturing strategies. He reveals how trade tensions and the pursuit of rapid production have created a complex dependency on Chinese supply chains, particularly with Foxconn. McGee also examines India's challenges in emerging as a manufacturing alternative. The conversation sheds light on misconceptions of 'made in India' products and the broader quest for efficiency without compromising democratic values.

Rajneesh Pathak, the founder and CEO of Global North Residency and Citizenship, dives into Malta's recent ruling that threatens its golden passport scheme. He discusses how this decision will reshape global wealth migration, particularly for high-net-worth individuals from India. The conversation reveals a rising trend towards more affordable residency options in the Caribbean. Rajneesh also examines how these changes influence investment choices, with many seeking permanent residency as a safer alternative to costly citizenship programs.

Indranil Sengupta, an economist and professor at Shiv Nadar University, shares insights on India's startling 96% decline in net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). He discusses the surge in disinvestments and the trend of Indian firms investing abroad. The conversation dives into the shifting dynamics of global investment, questioning whether this is a temporary setback or indicative of deeper issues. Sengupta also reflects on how India's economic landscape is evolving amid rising interest in other emerging economies.

Rajesh Naidu, an entertainment expert from ET, joins Anushree Rauta, a media and entertainment partner, and Amit Sharma, an entertainment head at Miraj Group. They dive into the heated clash between PVR Inox and Maddock Films over the abrupt shift of 'Bhulchuk Maf' to OTT, igniting debate over film distribution contracts. The guests discuss the seismic changes in the industry, from dwindling theatrical windows to the rising dominance of digital platforms, raising critical questions about the future of cinema and film revenue.