Artificial Intelligence is attracting billions of dollars in global investments, but questions are emerging over the sustainability of the AI boom, the returns on investment and the technology’s ability to deliver promised productivity gains. Are businesses making enough money from AI to justify the massive spending, and could rising costs become a major challenge? For India, the opportunity is significant as the country seeks to strengthen its position in the global AI economy, but concerns around job disruption and the future of work remain. On Business Today, Siddharth Zarabi, Group Editor, Business Today, speaks with Rohit Tandon, Managing Director and AI & Insights Practice Leader at Deloitte LLP, about the business case for AI, investment returns, India’s AI ambitions and the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of artificial intelligence.
The World Bank has released its highly anticipated October 2026 South Asia Economic Update, providing a comprehensive economic outlook for the region. Business Today's Group Editor Siddharth Zarabi breaks down the flagship semi-annual report with World Bank experts Dr Franziska Ohnsorge, Chief Economist for Asia, World Bank Group, and Aurelien Kruse, Country Economist for India, World Bank Group. The discussion explores how regional economies are navigating major energy sector disruptions, changing demographic shifts, and the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence. Discover the crucial policy priorities needed to create more jobs, sustain economic growth, and strengthen resilience in a rapidly evolving global environment. Watch the full video to understand the top macroeconomic challenges shaping the future of South Asia.
Ahead of the BT-MDRA India’s Best B-Schools Ranking issue, Business Today Group Editor Siddharth Zarabi spoke with Professor Madan Pillutla, Dean and Professor of Organisational Behaviour at the Indian School of Business (ISB), as the institution marks 25 years. In a wide-ranging conversation, Pillutla reflects on ISB’s journey and its ambitions for the next 25 years. He explains how ISB wants to move from building a world-class business school in India to creating knowledge from India that can inform the rest of the world. The conversation also explores how AI is reshaping management education, the changing relevance of technical skills, and why critical thinking, sound judgment, curiosity and relationship-building could become increasingly important for future managers. Pillutla discusses his hypothesis that the traditional two-year MBA model could evolve towards more flexible, specialised and continuous learning, with professionals choosing courses at different stages of their careers. He also examines the growing role of executive education, corporate-funded learning and the changing relationship between business schools and employers. From student aspirations in consulting and finance to entrepreneurship, public policy, AI-enabled learning and the possibility of undergraduate education at ISB, Pillutla offers a detailed perspective on the future of management education.
Sberbank is looking to make it easier for Indian SMEs to enter the Russian market, with a dedicated platform connecting businesses to Russian trading platforms and marketplaces. In this exclusive conversation, Business Today Group Editor Siddharth Zarabi speaks with Sberbank CEO and Chairman Herman Gref about the bank’s big India-Russia trade ambitions. Gref says currency risk can be managed through hedging mechanisms, while cross-border settlements are being conducted in local currencies rather than the US dollar or euro. He believes this can help reduce sanctions-related risks for businesses participating in the trade ecosystem. Sberbank also aims to bring millions of Indian customers and producers into the Russian market over the next one to two years. Could Indian SMEs become the next big driver of India-Russia trade?
Sberbank is outlining an ambitious strategy to deepen India-Russia economic ties, with financial infrastructure, Indian exports and Russian investments in India emerging as key priorities. Business Today Group Editor Siddharth Zarabi explores the bank’s India strategy and the opportunities ahead. Sberbank CEO and Chairman Herman Gref says the bank is focused on building stronger financial infrastructure for businesses and individuals, while also helping more Indian companies enter the Russian market. Gref highlights Sberbank’s first investment instrument allowing Russian individuals to invest in Indian stocks. With Russia running a trade surplus of around $50 billion, boosting Indian exports is another major focus. The bank also plans to support major Russian companies investing and expanding their businesses in India over the next two to three years.
Russia’s largest bank is betting big on deeper India-Russia economic ties. Herman Gref, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board, Sberbank discusses the bank’s expanding India strategy, faster cross-border payments and its ambition to build a comprehensive platform for businesses in both countries in an exclusive conversation with Siddharth Zarabi, Group Editor - Business Today. Gref says Sberbank could handle more than 15% of India-Russia trade this year, while also focusing on bringing more Indian exports into the Russian market. The bank is looking at infrastructure, SME connectivity and investment support, alongside potential partnerships in technology, AI, healthcare and education. Gref also highlights the growing use of local currencies and mechanisms to manage currency risk. With trade ties evolving, Sberbank sees India as a key market for its next phase of growth.
India’s economy has delivered a major upside surprise, with Q1 FY27 GDP growth coming in at 7.8%, comfortably ahead of the RBI’s 7% forecast and market expectations of around 7.1%. But does one strong GDP print mean the economy is on a firm recovery path, or are significant risks still lurking beneath the surface? In this episode of State of Economy, Siddharth Zarabi, Group Editor, India Today, speaks to Sriram Balasubramanian, Economist & Author, about what is really driving India’s growth — from stronger private investment, consumption and manufacturing to resilient exports and financial services. The discussion also looks at the challenges ahead, including elevated crude prices, global trade uncertainty, rupee weakness, geopolitical tensions and risks to agriculture and rural demand. Is the latest GDP number proof that the doomsayers got India’s growth story wrong — or is it too early to celebrate?
Can India’s economic data be trusted? As questions grow around the credibility of India’s GDP and macroeconomic statistics, Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary, MoSPI, strongly rejects allegations of data manipulation. He explains how India’s latest statistical methodologies were developed through consultations with experts, economists, forecasters and international institutions. Garg highlights India’s expanding data ecosystem, including UPI, GST, e-Vahan and PFMS, and says these sources are publicly available for verification. He also points to India’s extensive statistical machinery, including around 10,000 field workers collecting data across households and enterprises. The conversation then turns to employment, with Garg discussing unemployment rates of roughly 3–5% and the bigger challenge of job quality. Watch the full conversation on India’s data credibility, transparency and jobs debate.
Why can factory-gate prices turn negative when inflation remains elevated? Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary, MoSPI explains the manufacturing GDP puzzle and the role of the deflator. He says rising input costs for materials such as steel, plastics and composites have not been fully passed on to consumers, keeping output prices relatively flat. This creates a sharp difference between current-price and constant-price value addition, resulting in a negative manufacturing deflator. Garg also addresses the question of future GDP revisions. As more corporate results and government data become available, revisions can continue, but he expects these to generally remain modest, around 10 - 30 basis points. He says the latest base-year revision has already incorporated major structural and data changes, while smaller updates will continue as fresh information comes in.
India’s GDP numbers are at the centre of a heated debate, with questions raised over why Q1 FY26 GDP was revised from ₹86 lakh crore to ₹80 lakh crore. Critics argue that the ₹6 lakh crore reduction makes the latest GDP growth rate look stronger. In this exclusive conversation, Dr. Saurabh Garg explains why the numbers changed and why GDP comparisons must be made on a like-for-like basis. He breaks down the impact of the new 2022-23 base year, improved data sources and revised methodology. Dr. Garg compares Q1 GDP across the new series at ₹74 lakh crore, ₹80 lakh crore and ₹88 lakh crore for FY25, FY26 and FY27 respectively. He also explains why comparing old-series and new-series numbers can create a misleading picture of growth.
Former Finance Secretary Subhash Garg recently sparked a massive debate by claiming India’s GDP growth was drastically lower than reported, pointing to a mere 2.6% growth rate. But is there a fatal flaw in his math? In this exclusive conversation with Business Today TV, MoSPI Secretary, Dr. Saurabh Garg breaks down the complexities of GDP base year revisions and explains why comparing the old data series to the new one is like comparing apples to oranges. Discover the three critical reasons why economies must update their base years - from shifting consumer habits like iPhones to structural upgrades like GST and Digital India. Watch to understand the real story behind India's economic data, the international standards we follow, and why these controversial claims simply do not add up.
Watch Siddharth Zarabi, Group Editor, Business Today, in an exclusive conversation with Saurabh Garg, Secretary, MoSPI, as they discuss India’s latest GDP growth data, the strength of the economy, key sectoral trends, data methodology, revisions and the broader economic outlook. Garg addresses questions around the robustness of the 7.8% Q1 FY27 growth estimate, explains the factors driving growth and responds to concerns over GDP data and revisions. Catch the key insights from this important conversation on India’s economic performance and outlook.
India’s manufacturing sector is at a crucial inflection point. In a landmark Business Today-Deloitte India study, more than 5,000 listed and unlisted companies were analysed, with around 700 manufacturers ranked across large and emerging players. In this conversation, Romal Shetty, CEO, Deloitte South Asia and Member of Deloitte’s Global Executive Committee, explains how India can move beyond assembly-led growth towards deeper domestic value addition, stronger supply chains and globally competitive manufacturing. He also discusses the role of R&D, technology, MSMEs, geopolitics, PLI schemes, cost competitiveness and the sectors that could create India’s next generation of global manufacturing companies.
An exclusive interview with Ankur Aggarwal, Chairman and Founder of BNW Developments, sharing his outlook on the real estate market in UAE amid evolving geopolitical developments and growing investor confidence. In a conversation with Siddharth Zarabi, Group Editor of Business Today, Aggarwal discusses why the UAE continues to attract global capital despite recent regional uncertainty, the return of investor sentiment following ceasefire developments, and the factors driving demand in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. He explains why Russian investors remain committed to UAE real estate, highlights the growing participation of American, Indian and Chinese buyers, and outlines the investment opportunities emerging from the rapid transformation of Ras Al Khaimah. The interview also explores the impact of branded residences, waterfront developments, the upcoming Wynn-integrated resort project, Golden Visa reforms linked to off-plan property investments, and the broader economic outlook for the UAE. Aggarwal shares why he believes full normalcy could return by November, how developers are adapting to changing market conditions, and what lies ahead for BNW Developments as it focuses on execution, delivery and long-term legacy building. Watch the full interview for insights into one of the world's most closely watched property markets and the trends shaping the future of real estate investment in the Gulf region.
India’s economy is navigating a complex mix of global uncertainty, currency pressures, elevated oil prices, and shifting foreign capital flows. In this special edition of Easynomics, Business Today's Group Editor, Siddharth Zarabi speaks with Harsh Gupta Madhusudan, Author, Fund Manager & Chief India Strategist - Ionic Wealth to decode the biggest macroeconomic challenges facing India today. From the sharp depreciation in the rupee and the impact of gold imports on the balance of payments, to crude oil risks, foreign investor sentiment, inflation, interest rates, and India’s growth outlook, this conversation offers a comprehensive perspective on the forces shaping the economy and markets. The discussion also examines whether India can sustain strong growth amid geopolitical uncertainty and what policy measures could strengthen the country’s long-term economic trajectory and investment appeal.
As tensions in West Asia continue to raise concerns over global energy markets, India faces growing risks linked to rising crude oil prices, LPG costs, fuel inflation and supply-chain disruptions. With concerns also emerging around a weaker-than-normal monsoon, questions are being raised over the impact on agricultural output, rural demand, food prices and overall economic growth. In this special Business Today discussion, industry leaders and policy experts examine how India can manage the combined risks of fuel, fertiliser and food inflation, the immediate steps needed to protect households and MSMEs, and the long-term reforms required to strengthen energy security while supporting India’s net-zero ambitions. The discussion features insights from CII President and Tata Chemicals MD & CEO R Mukundan, BP Group India Chairman Kartikeya Dube, and CII Director General Chandrajit Banerjee, with Siddharth Zarabi, Group Editor, Business Today, moderating the conversation.
How is the UAE preparing for future global disruptions? In this exclusive UIBC-UAE Chapter Fireside Chat, UAE’s Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi explains the country’s long-term resilience strategy amid geopolitical uncertainty. In conversation with Business Today Group Editor Siddharth Zarabi, he reveals how the UAE is strengthening ports, logistics, international investments, food security, pharmaceuticals, and data center infrastructure to protect supply chains and sustain growth. Dr. Thani also shares why diversification is critical and why the UAE is ensuring no single country dominates more than 50% of any critical commodity supply.
Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, speaks about the massive growth story unfolding between India and the UAE at the UIBC-UAE Chapter Fireside Chat “Strength in Resilience.” In conversation with Business Today Group Editor Siddharth Zarabi, Dr. Thani reveals how non-oil trade between the two nations has crossed $100 billion and continues to grow rapidly despite global uncertainty. He also explains how the India-UAE CEPA is not just about bilateral trade, but about connecting markets across Africa, Asia, and beyond. The minister highlights the role of Indian entrepreneurs and UAE-based investments in shaping future growth opportunities globally.
At the UIBC-UAE Chapter “Strength in Resilience” Fireside Chat, Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE’s Minister of Foreign Trade, makes a bold prediction: the future belongs to the E7 economies, not the G7. Speaking with Siddharth Zarabi, Dr. Thani explains how countries like India, Brazil, Indonesia, Turkey, Mexico, South Korea, and South Africa are driving the next wave of global growth. He also discusses how COVID, geopolitical conflicts, and global disruptions have permanently changed trade systems and forced nations to become more resilient and adaptive. A sharp and insightful take on the future of global economics, trade alliances, and emerging powers.
At the UIBC-UAE Chapter Fireside Chat “Strength in Resilience,” Business Today’s Siddharth Zarabi speaks with Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, UAE on the future of the UAE-India economic partnership. From the success of the India-UAE CEPA to the rise of the E7 economies, the conversation highlights how both nations are reshaping global trade, investment, logistics, and supply chains amid rising geopolitical uncertainty. Dr. Thani shares insights on UAE’s resilience strategy, infrastructure expansion, diversification of supply chains, investments in ports, data centers, food security, and Africa-focused growth opportunities with Indian businesses. He also explains why the UAE sees India as a trusted long-term strategic partner in a rapidly changing world. Watch this exclusive conversation on trade, resilience, global growth, and the next phase of UAE-India collaboration.
Watch an insightful conversation with Dr. (CA) Ankur Aggarwal, Founder and Chairman of BNW Developments as we decode the current state of the UAE real estate market amid rising geopolitical tensions following the US-Iran conflict. How resilient is Dubai and the broader UAE property market? Are global and Indian investors turning cautious or staying bullish? We also discuss the rapidly expanding India-UAE economic relationship, trade partnerships, investment flows, and why the Gulf remains a critical growth corridor for Indian businesses and investors. A deep dive into real estate, geopolitics, and the future of India-UAE ties.
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