businessline's State of the Economy Podcast

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businessline's State of the Economy Podcast

India’s economy has been hailed as the bright spot amid the general gloom that seems to have enveloped the rest of the world. But several of its sectors still stutter about even while others seem set to fire on all cylinders. To help you make sense of the bundle of contradictions that the country is, businessline brings you podcasts with experts in areas ranging from finance and marketing to technology and start-ups. Tune in!

  1. 4D AGO

    Silver follows gold’s lead as demand from EVs sends prices skyrocketing

    In this episode of the State of the Economy podcast, businessline’s Subramani Ra Mancombu talks to Kishore Narne, ED, Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd, about the performance and outlook of gold and silver in the global market.  The podcast begins by highlighting the strong performance of gold, which has gained over 10% since the start of the year, and 40% over the past year. Narne explains the factors behind this surge, including geopolitical tensions, global economic uncertainties, and rising demand for safe-haven assets. Despite the strong rally, he suggests that while gold’s upside potential is uncertain, it might reach a ceiling of $3200 per ounce. He also discusses the broader market factors, such as interest rate cuts in 2025, that could continue to influence gold’s movement.  Narne addresses the trend of paper gold, particularly ETFs, and how it has gained traction in Western markets but not as much in Asia. He further discusses consumer reactions in India, where high gold prices have led to lower footfall in jewelry stores, although the wedding season might bring some recovery.   The episode also explores silver, which follows gold's bullish trend but is also driven by increasing demand from electric vehicle (EV) and green technology sectors.   Narne wraps up by discussing the risks and potential for both gold and silver, including the influence of the dollar and US interest rates.    (Host: Subramani Ra Mancombu Producer: Amitha Rajkumar) About the State of the Economy podcast  India’s economy has been hailed as a bright spot amid the general gloom that seems to have enveloped the rest of the world. But several sectors continue to stutter even as others seem set to fire on all cylinders.

    12 min

  2. 6D AGO

    Why more in your wallet is a good thing for the economy

    In this episode of the State of Economy Podcast, businessline’s  Shishir Kumar Sinha speaks with Ajit Banerjee, President and Chief Investment Officer, Shriram Life Insurance, sharing his views on the latest economic figures and the broader implications for India’s economic growth trajectory.  The episode starts with Banerjee discussing the latest GDP growth numbers for Q3, which show a 6.2 per cent growth, a slight improvement over Q2, but still below last year’s figures. They explore the impact of base effects, the government’s capital expenditure (CapEx) strategy, and its balancing act between maintaining growth and fiscal discipline. With rising expectations for Q4, the podcast takes a closer look at whether the country can achieve a projected 7.6 per cent growth rate in the final quarter of the fiscal year.  The conversation also looks at the challenges the government faces in meeting ambitious CapEx targets, the shift from government spending to private consumption, and the impact of tax relief for middle-class households. Banerjee discusses the broader consumption patterns in India, highlighting the importance of income tax cuts and favourable agricultural conditions in supporting growth in both urban and rural areas.  The episode goes on to analyse the ongoing GST rate rationalisation process and its potential effects on the economy. They also touch on the risks posed by weather conditions, particularly in relation to food inflation, and explore the country’s inflation dynamics, which remain a critical factor in shaping the economic outlook for FY25 and beyond.  Tune in for a detailed discussion of India’s economic growth prospects, the fiscal challenges the government faces, and the various factors that could shape the India’s economy in the coming year. (Host: Shishir Sinha; Producer: Siddharth Mathew Cherian, Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy) About the State of the Economy podcast  India’s economy has been hailed as a bright spot amid the general gloom that seems to have enveloped the rest of the world. But several sectors continue to stutter even as others seem set to fire on all cylinders.

    17 min

  3. FEB 26

    Will India’s gold jewellery exports rebound this year? 

    In this episode of the State of Economy Podcast, businessline's Subramani Ra Mancombu speaks with Colin Shah, Managing Director of Kama Jewlery, to discuss the prospects for gold in the coming year. In this episode, we focus on one of the most important commodities in the world—gold. With fluctuating prices and uncertainty surrounding global economic policies, what does the future hold for gold in 2025?  After an impressive run, with gold surging to nearly $3,000 an ounce, we now face a period of price volatility. What impact will the changing political landscape, especially U.S. tariffs and President Trump’s policies, have on gold’s performance? Could the strengthening of the U.S. dollar push gold prices back to $1,600, or will gold see another spike?  They go on to discuss about the economic situation in India, where softer consumption and slow government spending are impacting the market. With India being a major player in the global gold market, Shah provides an expert view on how these economic factors could affect the demand for gold in India in 2025. Also, they discuss the potential for a recovery in Indian gold jewellery exports and how central bank policies may influence the global gold market this year.  Whether you're an investor, a gold enthusiast, or someone looking to understand the larger economic forces at play, this episode offers crucial insights into the future of gold and its role in the global economy.  (Host: Subramani Ra Mancombu Producer: Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy) About the State of the Economy podcast  India’s economy has been hailed as a bright spot amid the general gloom that seems to have enveloped the rest of the world. But several sectors continue to stutter even as others seem set to fire on all cylinders.

    6 min

  4. FEB 19

    How is India benefitting from the 30% rise in global coffee prices? 

    In this episode of the State of Economy Podcast, businessline's Subramani Ra Mancombu speaks with Praveen Jaipuriar, CEO of CCL Products India Limited, as they discuss the recent surge in coffee prices, which have increased by over 30% since the start of 2025. The conversation highlights the factors driving this price rise, including climatic challenges in major coffee-producing countries like Brazil and Vietnam, which together account for 60% of the global supply.  Jaipuriar explains that the coffee market has been facing persistent inflationary trends due to crop shortages and the ongoing impact of climate change, which has caused a disruption in the supply chain. Despite high prices, global demand for coffee remains strong, further driving up the cost.   For Indian coffee growers, these developments have meant higher prices for their produce, benefiting them with record prices for their crops. However, Jaipuriar notes that this trend may last for another year or so, as it takes time for the supply chain to correct itself due to the long coffee crop cycle.  The conversation also delves into the future outlook for the Indian coffee industry, particularly in terms of exports. Jaipuriar explains that while the volume of exports has remained relatively stable, the value of coffee exports has surged due to higher prices. To truly capitalise on this opportunity, Jaipuriar emphasises the need for India to increase its coffee plantation acreage and enhance the visibility of Indian coffee globally, as the country is not as well-known for its coffee as it is for tea.  Another key topic covered is the potential for expanding domestic coffee consumption in India, which currently exports two-thirds of its coffee. Jaipuriar notes that the younger generation is increasingly turning to coffee, especially in cafes and vending machines, and predicts that coffee consumption will grow significantly in the coming decades.  However, he also highlights the challenge of rising input costs, particularly labour costs, which could impact the pricing and accessibility of coffee in the domestic market. Tune in to gain a comprehensive look at the dynamics of the coffee market and how India can adapt to global trends to enhance its position in the coffee industry.  (Host: Subramani Ra Mancombu Producer: Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy) About the State of the Economy podcast  India’s economy has been hailed as a bright spot amid the general gloom that seems to have enveloped the rest of the world. But several sectors continue to stutter even as others seem set to fire on all cylinders.

    12 min

  5. FEB 15

    Is warehousing the hottest investment in India?

    In this episode of the State of Economy Podcast, businessline's Abhishek Law speaks with Anshul Singhal, Managing Director of Welspun One, an integrated fund and development management platform pioneering India's first warehousing-focused alternative investment fund.   The podcast begins with discussing about India's rapidly expanding warehousing market. Singhal provides a comprehensive overview of the market, highlighting the impressive 15-19% CAGR in demand, and suggests that the real numbers, especially in Tier 2, 3, and 4 cities, could be closer to a staggering 25%.   He discusses the projected growth of the real estate sector, from $300 billion to a trillion by 2030, and how warehousing plays a crucial role in this expansion. Singhal emphasises the connection between consumer behaviour and warehousing demand, explaining how the rise of e-commerce, quick commerce, and omni-channel retail has fueled the need for efficient logistics solutions.  The conversation also touches upon the Indian budget and its impact on the warehousing sector. Singhal shares his positive outlook on the budget's investment-friendly reforms, particularly those related to infrastructure spending, and simplified land acquisition.   He addresses concerns about flattish infrastructure investment numbers, explaining that warehousing's unique position between infrastructure and real estate allows it to adapt to market fluctuations.  Also, Singhal discusses the ease of raising funds for warehousing projects in India, citing the impressive $10 billion invested in the sector over the past three to five years, and reveals Welspun One's plans to double its portfolio and raise ₹4,000 crore through a mix of international and domestic funds. Tune in to gain valuable insights into this booming sector and understand how warehousing is shaping the future of Indian business.  (Host: Abhishek law Producer: Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy) About the State of the Economy podcast  India’s economy has been hailed as a bright spot amid the general gloom that seems to have enveloped the rest of the world. But several sectors continue to stutter even as others seem set to fire on all cylinders.

    18 min

  6. FEB 14

    How will the new income tax bill impact your tax calculations? 

    In this episode of the State of Economy Podcast, businessline's Shishir Sinha speaks with Sandeep Jhunjhunwala, M&A Partner, Nangia Andersen LLP and Anil Talreja, Partner, Deloitte . They talk about the newly introduced Income Tax Bill of 2025, a key piece of legislation that promises to reshape India's tax landscape.  The experts explore critical aspects of the bill, including its primary objective of simplifying the Income Tax Act and its likely impact on the economy. With provisions aimed at reducing redundant sections and making tax calculations easier, they assess how the bill will influence tax filing and compliance in India. The episode also covers key changes such as the removal of the term "notwithstanding" and the introduction of "tax year" terminology, offering a clearer understanding of tax calculation periods.  The conversation further goes on about the bill's approach to crypto taxation, the residency provisions for non-resident Indians (NRIs), and how litigation related to tax issues might be reduced under the new law. Despite the new bill's efforts to simplify tax provisions, there are areas where experts feel further reform could have been incorporated. They also discuss the ongoing challenges with the current tax system and the potential for future improvements.  This episode provides a comprehensive breakdown of the new Income Tax Bill and helps understand what the proposed changes mean for their finances and the broader economy. Tune in for an informative and accessible discussion on this pivotal piece of legislation.  (Host: Shishir Sinha; Producer: Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy) About the State of the Economy podcast  India’s economy has been hailed as a bright spot amid the general gloom that seems to have enveloped the rest of the world. But several sectors continue to stutter even as others seem set to fire on all cylinders.

    17 min

  7. FEB 9

    Retail Disruption and how it impacts big brands 

    In this episode of the State of Economy Podcast, businessline's  Chitra Narayanan speaks with Shiv Shivakumar, Operating Partner, Advent International and K Ganesh, Founder & Partner Growthstory.in are discussing the impact of quick commerce.   Ganesh, drawing from his BigBasket experience, explains how quick commerce addresses India's urban challenges, including population density and supply chain issues. He notes the shift in consumer behavior towards convenience, particularly for groceries and niche products, driving the model's growth despite initial skepticism. Shivakumar adds insights from his FMCG background, emphasising technology's role in connecting brands and consumers.  The conversation goes on about evolving consumer habits, with both guests acknowledging their shift away from traditional kirana stores. This trend towards digital convenience and smaller pantries potentially impacts future kitchen designs, even suggesting a shift towards smaller refrigerators.   The discussion also covers the rise of D2C brands, which have capitalised on niche markets in a fragmented landscape. Shivakumar notes that larger FMCG companies often acquire these smaller brands for their capabilities and market presence, but cautions that cultural clashes can lead to acquisition failures.   Ganesh adds that D2C brands struggle with high customer acquisition costs and low brand loyalty, creating a more transactional marketplace compared to the brand loyalty of previous generations.  The podcast further examines the evolution of branding and retail. Shivakumar describes the shift from traditional branding to shorter, digitally focused campaigns. He notes the increased ease of brand building in the digital age. The discussion also highlights the growing importance of private labels, as diminishing brand loyalty allows store brands to compete on quality. Ganesh connects this trend with quick commerce and personalised offerings, which have further reshaped consumer preferences. The episode concludes with a look at the future of retail, emphasising the importance of omnichannel strategies and seamless experiences across all platforms.   Listen in to know more.  (Host: Chitra Narayanan, Producer: Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy) About the State of the Economy podcast India’s economy has been hailed as a bright spot amid the general gloom that seems to have enveloped the rest of the world. But several sectors continue to stutter even as others seem set to fire on all cylinders.

    33 min

  8. JAN 30

    Indian affordable housing experiences a 25% drop due to high costs and policy gaps

    In this episode of the State of the Economy podcast businessline’s Abhishek law is joined by Niranjan Hiranandani, Chairman, NAREDCO, to discuss key challenges in the Indian real estate sector, particularly around affordable housing.   Hiranandani shares his insights on the current state of affordable housing, which has experienced an unexpected 25% drop in numbers, something he has never seen in his 40+ years of experience. This decline is seen not only in major cities but across the country, creating a shock for both developers and the government.  The discussion delves into the reasons behind the slump, with Hiranandani highlighting factors like the exhaustion of the PMAY (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana) interest subsidy scheme and the persistence of high RBI interest rates. He suggests that the government needs to expedite the new affordable housing policy and reduce interest rates to stimulate demand.   The conversation also touches upon the gap in the market for large-scale affordable housing projects, especially from major developers. High land prices and taxes, such as stamp duties and development charges, are making it difficult to build affordable homes, with 50% of a home’s cost in Mumbai going towards taxes.   Hiranandani draws attention to the global norm of rental housing, pointing out that in developed countries like the United States, 50% of the population lives in rented homes. He urges the government to introduce policies that incentivise the development of rental housing, just as they have for commercial properties, to accommodate the growing demand for flexible living spaces.    (Host: Abhishek law Producer: Amitha Rajkumar) About the State of the Economy podcast  India’s economy has been hailed as a bright spot amid the general gloom that seems to have enveloped the rest of the world. But several sectors continue to stutter even as others seem set to fire on all cylinders.

    16 min
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About

India’s economy has been hailed as the bright spot amid the general gloom that seems to have enveloped the rest of the world. But several of its sectors still stutter about even while others seem set to fire on all cylinders. To help you make sense of the bundle of contradictions that the country is, businessline brings you podcasts with experts in areas ranging from finance and marketing to technology and start-ups. Tune in!

Information

  • Creator
    businessline
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    350
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyright© 2023, THG PUBLISHING PVT LTD. or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    businessline's State of the Economy Podcast

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