The Morning Brief

What does it take to develop and actually settle a new capital city? On May 2nd, PM Narendra Modi launched Amaravati, the proposed capital of Andhra Pradesh. But this wasn’t its first unveiling. Back in 2015, then CM Chandrababu Naidu had launched the same greenfield dream with the PM by his side. Now, after a political hiatus and a resounding mandate, Naidu is back and so is Amaravati. In this episode of The Morning Brief, ET’s host Nidhi Sharma speaks with State IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh and former Smart City mission director Kunal Kumar to explore the challenges of attracting investors, rebuilding trust, and turning a fertile riverfront into a functioning capital city. From the promise of land pooling to the pitfalls of political disruption, the conversation traces Andhra Pradesh’s reset to “one state, one capital,” drawing comparisons with Cyberabad and probing if this new push can meet its tight timelines. As India’s urban future accelerates and greenfield cities remain the exception, Amaravati may offer both a blueprint and a cautionary tale. Can Andhra Pradesh transform this dream into a thriving hub — or will Amaravati remain a story of ambition interrupted?                                     Credits: Image Fosters + Partners Tune in Check out other interesting episodes like: Meme to Maverick: The Rise of Brand Rahul Gandhi [https://open.spotify.com/episode/5tYKsNTpCFQ7Zsnw6QNRPS?si=b5d4b5be479b4e00], Polls on My Pod: The Adversaries in Punjab and Bengal [https://open.spotify.com/episode/6f2pYgqx70Kvl02kNjzHtD?si=f87abfc1914446dc], Polls on My Pod: Kashmir Finally Speaks Up! [https://open.spotify.com/episode/7qzKwWEXm97FhJ3YEsrmPO?si=f108759950974eb6], Polls on My Pod: Ground Check on Delhi, Haryana Elections [https://open.spotify.com/episode/7m1AX5jrPm8DA0wwzHs2FQ?si=dc9355de285c4341], and more! [https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-morning-brief/id1568661777] You can follow our hosts Nidhi Sharma on their social media: Twitter [https://x.com/AnirbanET] & Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nidhi-sharma-4439b47/?originalSubdomain=in] Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play [https://www.etplay.com/etplay], The Economic Times Online [https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/podcast?from=mdr], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6PL5kfPbwURBEu6fHCVTOL?si=26ec0fbfa7134fea&nd=1&dlsi=05d0fb85854941e2], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-morning-brief/id1568661777], JioSaavn [https://www.jiosaavn.com/shows/the-morning-brief/1/GNPiFQD2xpY_], Amazon Music [https://music.amazon.in/podcasts/f378141f-9afb-495d-83da-9b08ec5047ac/the-morning-brief] and Google Podcasts [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cub21ueWNvbnRlbnQuY29tL2QvcGxheWxpc3QvNjBiMmU5MjYtZTVmOC00YjkwLWE0NjUtYWVmOTAxMTYzMDAxLzk1ZmQ3YzU5LTc5MGQtNDk2ZS1iYmRlLWFlZjkwMTE2N2ZlNC84YWU1NDc2My05OTI1LTQwY2EtOGMzZC1hZWY5MDExNjdmZmIvcG9kY2FzdC5yc3M?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi2gOG4la36AhUvjtgFHcdWDU8Q9sEGegQIARAC].  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

From a modest Silicon Valley garage to a global creative powerhouse, Adobe's journey has been nothing short of transformative. In this episode of The Morning Brief, ET’s Surabhi Agarwal & Annapurna Roy engages with Adobe Chairman & CEO Shantanu Narayen to discuss how the company is integrating AI with design to redefine digital creativity. Narayen reflects on India's burgeoning creative economy, Adobe's four-layer AI strategy, and the company's "customer zero" approach to innovation. He also shares insights on how tools like Firefly are gaining unique traction in India and emphasizes that AI, when combined with human ingenuity, can elevate creative work rather than replace it. As AI redraws the boundaries of art and tech, the episode asks: Can India lead the next creative renaissance? And can Adobe stay ahead without losing its human touch? Tune in You can follow Surabhi Agarwal on her Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/surabhi-agarwal-5255b62/], Twitter [https://x.com/surabhia_et?lang=en] profiles and read her Newspaper Articles. [https://m.economictimes.com/etreporter/author-surabhi-agarwal-479241991.cms]If you like this episode, check out more Corner Office Conversations from the podcast: Adar Poonawalla [https://open.spotify.com/episode/1ZLex1NkE3Ol0Bzu6eb0mC?si=438f0ef627004280], Sandip Patel [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2vgJyNcoP79KGd5H3SjVin?si=d039f643d4224f78], The Mega Listing Of Vishal Retail [https://open.spotify.com/episode/1NgB5QSzlLPiV7L1iFGVvI?si=2b05e3d7112f49f7], Antonoaldo Neves [https://open.spotify.com/episode/6oyAQs1iQpXQTiJ9a2fsAU?si=42483b27f888444a], Rajesh Jejurikar [https://open.spotify.com/episode/1MhH3C0n141kJ1rdpBfi5n?si=254767d0988b4f9b], Srikanth Velamakanni [https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Q9aGmQzSl3kaNMfFcn3tq?si=4fff5bd4366f429d], and more [https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-morning-brief/id1568661777]! Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play [https://www.etplay.com/etplay], The Economic Times Online [https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/podcast?from=mdr], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6PL5kfPbwURBEu6fHCVTOL?si=26ec0fbfa7134fea], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-morning-brief/id1568661777], JioSaavn [https://www.jiosaavn.com/shows/the-morning-brief/1/GNPiFQD2xpY_], Amazon Music [https://music.amazon.in/podcasts/f378141f-9afb-495d-83da-9b08ec5047ac/the-morning-brief] and Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@theetpodcasts]. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

From Carnegie Mellon classrooms to a global cultural phenomenon, this episode of The Morning Brief  traces the journey of Luis von Ahn, math prodigy, inventor of CAPTCHA, and now the CEO and co-founder of Duolingo. Hosts Anirban Chowdhury and ET’s Deputy news editor Himani Kothari explore how Luis’s early work fighting bots evolved into a business to democratize education through gamified language learning. What began with a Spanish course and a German prototype has grown into a plus 500-million-user platform, driven by Duolingo’s bite-sized lessons, quirky owl mascot, and irreverent marketing strategy. The conversation delves into the company’s expansion into math, music and chess, its partnership with OpenAI, and the creative freedom that powers its viral success. As AI becomes central to the future of learning, Luis weighs its potential to enhance not replace human education. Can platforms like Duolingo balance fun, function, and cultural impact in a world increasingly shaped by algorithms? Tune in: You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirban-chowdhury-b5067219/], Twitter [https://twitter.com/AnirbanET] profiles and read his Newspaper Articles. [https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/etreporter/author-anirban-chowdhury-479232745.cms?from=mdr]You can follow Himani Kothari on her Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/himani-kothari-3370ab237/], Twitter [https://x.com/himanikothari] profiles and read his Newspaper Articles.  [https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/etreporter/author-himani-kothari-479261266.cms?from=mdr]If you like this episode, check out more Corner Office Conversations from the podcast: Adar Poonawalla [https://open.spotify.com/episode/1ZLex1NkE3Ol0Bzu6eb0mC?si=438f0ef627004280], Sandip Patel [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2vgJyNcoP79KGd5H3SjVin?si=d039f643d4224f78], The Mega Listing Of Vishal Retail [https://open.spotify.com/episode/1NgB5QSzlLPiV7L1iFGVvI?si=2b05e3d7112f49f7], Antonoaldo Neves [https://open.spotify.com/episode/6oyAQs1iQpXQTiJ9a2fsAU?si=42483b27f888444a], Rajesh Jejurikar [https://open.spotify.com/episode/1MhH3C0n141kJ1rdpBfi5n?si=254767d0988b4f9b], Srikanth Velamakanni [https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Q9aGmQzSl3kaNMfFcn3tq?si=4fff5bd4366f429d], and more [https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-morning-brief/id1568661777]! Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play [https://www.etplay.com/etplay], The Economic Times Online [https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/podcast?from=mdr], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6PL5kfPbwURBEu6fHCVTOL?si=26ec0fbfa7134fea], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-morning-brief/id1568661777], JioSaavn [https://www.jiosaavn.com/shows/the-morning-brief/1/GNPiFQD2xpY_], Amazon Music [https://music.amazon.in/podcasts/f378141f-9afb-495d-83da-9b08ec5047ac/the-morning-brief] and Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@theetpodcasts]. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

In the early hours of Wednesday, May 7—well past midnight—India launched a precise, 23-minute military operation targeting nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. These locations were reportedly strongholds of two of the world’s most notorious terror groups: Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. Indian Rafale jets deployed SCALP and HAMMER missiles in the strikes, in what appeared to be a retaliatory act not only against the recent Pahalgam attack, but against a long history of terror incidents—Red Fort, Parliament, Mumbai train blasts, Pathankot, Uri, Pulwama—stretching back to the Kargil conflict. According to Indian government sources, over 100 militants were killed in the strikes. Pakistan launched a retaliatory attack using drones and missiles, reportedly aimed at as many as 15 cities across northern India. The Indian government stated that all incoming threats were intercepted, primarily using its S-400 air defence systems. India then escalated further, crossing deeper into Pakistani territory than ever before. It neutralized an air defence radar installation in Lahore and conducted operations in sites at Sialkot and even near Islamabad. This marks a significant shift in India’s military posture—from punitive strikes to potentially pre-emptive warfare. As the lines blur between militants, soldiers, and civilians, critical questions emerge: Is this the new normal in India’s security doctrine? How long can Pakistan withstand a prolonged conflict, economically and militarily? Will China’s support to Pakistan—currently limited to weapons supply—expand into something more direct? And, crucially, what diplomatic or military paths remain open for de-escalation before the region tips into broader instability? Host Anirban Chowdhury discusses with ET’s Manu Pubby and Hakim Irfan Rashid Tune in You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter [https://twitter.com/AnirbanET] and Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirban-chowdhury-b5067219/]Check out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade [https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-morning-brief/id1568661777?i=1000702130670], The Curious Case of IndusInd Bank [https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-morning-brief/id1568661777?i=1000701174049], The Influencer Economy’s Quiet Reset [https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-morning-brief/id1568661777?i=1000701977001], India’s Biggest Hospital has a Chronic Illness [https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-morning-brief/id1568661777?i=1000700201610] and much more [https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-morning-brief/id1568661777]. Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play [https://www.etplay.com/etplay], The Economic Times Online [https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/podcast?from=mdr], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6PL5kfPbwURBEu6fHCVTOL?si=26ec0fbfa7134fea], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-morning-brief/id1568661777], JioSaavn [https://www.jiosaavn.com/shows/the-morning-brief/1/GNPiFQD2xpY_], Amazon Music [https://music.amazon.in/podcasts/f378141f-9afb-495d-83da-9b08ec5047ac/the-morning-brief] and Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@theetpodcasts]. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

As the UK and India inch closer to sealing their most ambitious bilateral trade agreement post-Brexit, the stakes have never been higher. In this episode of The Morning Brief, host Anirban Chowdhury speaks to Pallavi Joshi Bakhru, Partner and UK Corridor Leader at Grant Thornton Bharat to unpack the long-awaited deal poised to reshape £43 billion in annual trade between the two nations.  With UK exporters set to save up to £900 million in tariffs and Indian workers finally gaining access to the long-sought Social Security Agreement, the episode dives into what each country truly stands to gain. Questions remain: Have thorny issues like data protection, IP rights, and worker mobility really been resolved? Can this deal serve as a blueprint for India’s much-anticipated pact with the US? And will promises on paper translate into performance on the ground? Stay tuned for a sharp look at a trade moment that could redefine bilateral economics in a fractured global order. Tune in You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter [https://twitter.com/AnirbanET] and Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirban-chowdhury-b5067219/]Check out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade [https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-morning-brief/id1568661777?i=1000702130670], The Curious Case of IndusInd Bank [https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-morning-brief/id1568661777?i=1000701174049], The Influencer Economy’s Quiet Reset [https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-morning-brief/id1568661777?i=1000701977001], India’s Biggest Hospital has a Chronic Illness [https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-morning-brief/id1568661777?i=1000700201610] and much more [https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-morning-brief/id1568661777]. Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play [https://www.etplay.com/etplay], The Economic Times Online [https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/podcast?from=mdr], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6PL5kfPbwURBEu6fHCVTOL?si=26ec0fbfa7134fea], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-morning-brief/id1568661777], JioSaavn [https://www.jiosaavn.com/shows/the-morning-brief/1/GNPiFQD2xpY_], Amazon Music [https://music.amazon.in/podcasts/f378141f-9afb-495d-83da-9b08ec5047ac/the-morning-brief] and Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@theetpodcasts]. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.