The 2025-26 Union Budget came at a time of moderating domestic growth and heightened global uncertainty. At a recent joint session of the India CEO, CFO, CHRO, CMO, ISF and CFO NxT Forums, AK Bhattacharya, Editorial Director of the Business Standard, provided a medium-term outlook for the Indian economy. He assessed the Budget’s key policy announcements and their impact on India’s growth trajectory. Further, he examined the prospects for reforms and fiscal consolidation, as well as the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. This podcast summarises these discussions.

As climate changes intensify, consumers across segments are demanding sustainable alternatives – and the automotive industry is no exception. Clean(er)-fuel options make up a rising share of India’s passenger vehicle market and this trend is expected to only strengthen in the years ahead.

This research was developed in partnership with Ayvens a leading sustainable mobility player, under the agegis of IMA’s India Sustainability Forum (ISF). It examines the current market dynamics in terms of consumer demand, manufacturer preferences and government policy, aiming to identify which of the three broad types of ‘green alternatives’ – compressed natural gas (CNG), hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) – are likely to come out ahead in the longer term.

We often think of Indian weddings as the most traditional of social events, steeped in age-old rituals and elaborate ceremonies. However, a closer look reveals that they serve as a powerful lens to understand broader socio-economic shifts shaping the country. With the youngest of the Millennials and the oldest Gen Zs now of marriageable age, the wedding industry reflects evolving consumer preferences that go beyond mere expenditure, touching aspects such as financial independence, personalisation, sustainability and the influence of digital trends.

As this podcast argues, the ‘Great Indian Wedding’ is no longer just a cultural milestone but a complex interplay of tradition and aspiration, offering valuable insights into shifting behaviours across allied sectors, including hospitality, tourism, retail and technology.