The Morning Brief

Join Thomas Morgan, Chief Research Officer at the Institute for Economics & Peace, and Abhinav Pandya, counterterrorism expert and Founder of Usanas Foundation, as they dive into the grim economics of terrorism. They explore how terrorist organizations are funded, with a striking focus on the role of cryptocurrencies. The conversation delves into rising terrorist-related deaths and the staggering costs nations face after attacks. Plus, they examine the evolving landscape of global terrorism and its implications for security.

In a riveting discussion, Sachin Jain, Regional CEO of the World Gold Council, shares insights on the extraordinary peaks in gold prices in 2024. He explores how geopolitical tensions shape market trends and highlights the remarkable consumer demand in India, particularly during festive seasons. Jain also delves into the growing interest in gold-backed ETFs among millennials and the increasing integration of gold in technology. Additionally, he discusses the volatility stemming from political shifts and forecasts a bright future for gold as a resilient investment.

Sumit Gupta, Co-founder and CEO of CoinDCX, and Sugata Ghosh, Associate Editor at the Economic Times, dive into the impending $100,000 milestone for Bitcoin and its implications for Indian investors. They discuss the influence of U.S. political shifts and new regulations in the EU and UK. The conversation takes a critical look at India's regulatory environment, contrasting proactive measures with RBI's cautious stance. Gupta highlights the recent surge in trading and the necessary steps to enhance investor protection amidst growing market optimism and risk.

Raghav Gupta, Managing Director at Coursera, and Rajat Puri, President of Carelon Global Solutions, dive into India's urgent need for reskilling amidst automation. They discuss how generative AI is transforming job roles and creating skill gaps, particularly in the vital healthcare sector. Gupta shares insights on the collaboration between public and private sectors to foster skills-first hiring, while Puri highlights Carelon's initiatives for digital upskilling and mentorship programs aimed at enhancing employability and innovation.

Anubhuti Vishnoi is a Senior Editor at ET, focusing on India’s air quality crisis, while Karthik Ganesan, a Fellow at CEEW, works on energy and environmental solutions. They unpack Delhi's dire pollution levels and the political inaction fueling the crisis. The conversation also reveals the severe health impacts, particularly on children, and discusses innovative practices to tackle crop residue management in Punjab. Listeners gain insights into the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address air quality and agricultural challenges.

In a riveting discussion, Vikas Dandekar, a pharma leader with deep insights into antimicrobial resistance, teams up with Dr. Manica Balasegaram, the Executive Director of the Global Antibiotic R&D Partnership. They delve into India's alarming antibiotic misuse and its implications on global health. The duo emphasizes the urgent need for better regulations and public awareness. They also explore innovative strategies for antibiotic development and stress the importance of global collaboration to combat this escalating crisis.

Dr. Vinny Kantroo, a senior consultant in respiratory medicine, and Maneesh Paul from Orchid Pharma dive deep into India's alarming antibiotic misuse. They highlight the staggering 70% failure rate of common treatments and the dire rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The duo addresses the dangers of self-prescribing and the increasing rate of nosocomial infections in hospitals. They stress the urgent need for new antimicrobial agents and emphasize educational initiatives to tackle this growing public health crisis.

Urmi Goswami, Special Correspondent at Economic Times with keen insight on climate issues, discusses the pressing financial commitments at COP29. The conversation dives into whether developed nations will step up to support poorer countries in their climate battles. India’s evolving stance on energy transition and the advocacy for the global south take center stage. Also explored are the impacts of global conflicts on climate finance, emphasizing the urgent need for action over mere promises. Tune in for a thought-provoking dialogue on climate responsibility.

Kumar Anshuman, a Political Bureau colleague from the Economic Times, discusses the tumultuous electoral landscape of Jharkhand. He highlights the state’s political instability, shaped by shifting voter loyalties and coalition governments. The impact of tribal votes on election outcomes is crucial, particularly for the JMM and BJP. Anshuman also emphasizes the empowerment of women voters, showcasing strategies to engage this key demographic. The podcast dives into the contrasting narratives of locals versus outsiders, with significant implications for the upcoming elections.

Kanishk Gaur, a cybersecurity expert at Athenian Tech, and Khushbu Jain, a legal specialist at Arc Legal, dive deep into the alarming rise of digital arrest scams in India. They discuss how criminal gangs exploit visa-free travel to manipulate unsuspecting individuals and the intricate web of cryptocurrency transactions that complicates law enforcement. The conversation also sheds light on the dark reality of cyber slavery, the psychological impact on victims, and the urgent need for legal reforms to combat these evolving threats.