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.

Public policy is crucial in shaping business outcomes, especially in dynamic markets like India. For businesses, anticipating and adapting to policy changes is a strategic necessity. From evolving compliance frameworks to the impact of geopolitical shifts on regulation, engaging with public policy is vital to an organisation’s long-term success.

At a recent India CEO Forum session in Chennai, Rameesh Kailasam, CEO of IndiaTech.org, shared insights on navigating the complex interplay of public policy and business strategy. He focused on how to forecast policy changes, mitigate regulatory risks and leverage opportunities to influence policy in favour of industry. This podcast summarises these discussions.

India’s landmark Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act is a big step towards establishing a culture of data privacy. Sixteen months after the law was notified, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology released draft rules under the Act, offering clarity on its implementation, including the formation of the Data Protection Board (DPB) to handle breaches and impose defined penalties. With a tangible timeline for implementation of the Act in place, the contours of the final regime under the DPDP becoming clearer and the strong penalties for non-compliance enshrined in the DPDP, it is the need of the hour for Indian businesses to understand the key tenets of the act and prepare to adhere to them.

At recent India CEO Forum sessions Arun Prabhu, Partner and Head - Technology & Telecommunications at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, shed light on the changes that will flow from the DPDP and what corporates must do to prepare for it. The podcast summarises these discussions.

IMA recently held its Q4 FY25 CHRO Dialogue in Mumbai, with sessions on M&A and ESG. Leading the first session, we had Tarun Varma, Global Chief Human Resources & Sustainability Officer at Tata Consumer Products Limited (TCPL), discussing the Tata Group’s approach to M&A, and how cultural integration is such a crucial success element in any merger. Dr Sujiv Nair, Global Chief Human Resources Officer at Re Sustainability, led the second session, highlighting how CHROs can play a critical role in driving ESG initiatives. This podcast summarises these discussions.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the Finance function by enhancing efficiency and improving decision-making capabilities, with Generative AI driving an even greater shift than previous technologies. AI-powered financial planning and analytics can drive growth, streamline operations and add value, but CFOs must balance innovation with control and risk management.

At a recent India CFO Forum session in Bangalore, Dr Phaphul Chandra, Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Director at Atria University, explored real-life applications and best practices for implementing AI in Finance, and shared some key considerations around change management. This podcast summarises these discussions.

India’s journey toward mass prosperity hinges on addressing the critical challenges of employment, employability and education. These three pillars form the foundations of economic growth and social development, shaping the nation's trajectory in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

At a recent joint session of the India CEO and CHRO Forums in Bangalore, Manish Sabharwal, Vice-Chairman of Teamlease Services, outlined key strategies for improving employability, expanding access to quality education and generating meaningful employment opportunities. He explored the interplay between these ‘E’s’, identifying structural reforms, policy initiatives and actionable strategies that can unlock India’s full potential.

This podcast summarises these discussions.