Tag: Shereen Bhan

  • CNBC-TV18’s Future. Female. Forward. Season 3 puts spotlight on ‘Broken Rung’ in India’s gender equity journey

    CNBC-TV18’s Future. Female. Forward. Season 3 puts spotlight on ‘Broken Rung’ in India’s gender equity journey

    MUMBAI: CNBC-TV18 successfully hosted the Bengaluru edition of HSBC presents Future. Female. Forward. Season 3, co-presented by Cognizant India, to a packed house of policymakers, industry leaders, and DEI advocates. Following its impactful national launch in Mumbai, the Bengaluru chapter zeroed in on a critical, and often under discussed barrier to achieving gender parity: the ‘broken rung’ that can hold women back from progressing into leadership roles.

    Opening the evening, CNBC-TV18 managing editor Shereen Bhan, delivered a compelling call to action that set the tone for the discussions ahead.  “We created CNBC-TV18 Future. Female. Forward. —to build a space where women in full flow could speak, challenge, and lead. Today, women founders still receive only 2.3 per cent of total capital, globally under three per cent, and in India, just six per cent in H1 2025. That’s not a pipeline problem; that’s a design flaw. From AI to public infrastructure, this city sits at the edge of innovation, yet the blueprint remains exclusionary. Equity must be the earliest principle, not a late-stage correction. And that’s the conversation we’re committed to pushing forward—with facts, with courage, and with community.”

    The evening began with HSBC India CEO Hitendra Dave reflecting on Embedding Equity: The HSBC India Inclusion Playbook. He emphasized the need for strong institutional frameworks and measurable outcomes to build truly inclusive cultures.

    He said, “Over the last three years, we’ve started a conversation—one that challenges us to rethink how we approach inclusion, not as a multi-decadal aspiration, but as a series of deliberate, incremental actions. Each season, each dialogue, and each story reminds us that looking away is not an option and while the journey is complex and nuanced, what matters is that we are moving in the right direction. At HSBC, we take pride in playing a small but meaningful role in fostering these conversations that bring us closer to a future where equity is not just an ideal, but a reality.”

    Taking the stage next, Shobana Kamineni, executive chairperson of Apollo HealthCo, delivered a compelling fireside chat titled Prescription for Disruption: The Kamineni Code.

    She shared: “Women aren’t short on ideas, intelligence, or ambition, but they’re funded like they are. Globally, women-led businesses raised just $108 billion last year, and India accounted for a mere ₹25 crore. You can’t talk about scale without real capital. If we want more women in leadership, we need to back them not just with applause, but with board seats, and belief in their ability to lead mainstream, high-impact ventures, not just niche ones.”

    The evening also featured a case‑led session by Pooja Sharma Goyal, founding CEO of The Udaiti Foundation, titled Leading with Purpose, Building with Equity. Drawing on lived experience, she outlined practical frameworks that turn inclusive‑growth theory into action.

    A high-impact panel discussion titled Purpose, Parity & Performance brought together an esteemed lineup of leaders, including Bhawna Agarwal (SVP & MD, HPE India), Rajesh Varrier (President – global operations and chairman & managing director, Cognizant India), Jaya Jagadish (country head & SVP, AMD India), Meena Ganesh (co-founder & chairperson, Portea; Trustee, Bahaar Foundation), and Sunita Naik (SVP & country lead – India, State Street Investment Management).

    During the panel discussion, Rajesh Varrier, president – global operations and chairman & managing director, Cognizant India, offered a large-enterprise perspective on building inclusive workforce strategies.“Inclusion isn’t just about hiring; it’s about building systems and structural interventions that support a woman’s entire career journey. That’s why we created Shakti —a unified framework of programs and policies designed to empower women from college to corporate leadership, enabling them to realise their full potential. Also, we know that progress is most powerful when supported by allies—those who advocate, amplify, and help open doors,” he noted.

    From a global capital lens, Sunita Naik, senior managing director & India lead of State Street Investment Management, illustrated how inclusion is being hardwired into investment decisions and organizational culture, moving beyond token gestures to measurable accountability. Sunita said, “At State Street Investment Management, we didn’t just advocate for inclusion; we built it into our leadership. Our CEO is an Asian-American woman, our operating group is majority women, and our board is 50 per cent women. This isn’t about eliminating men; it’s about proving that diverse teams outperform. Real change happens when women lead at every level, not just entry level. From the iconic Fearless Girl to our own boardroom, we’re showing that inclusion drives performance, not just perception.”

    The evening saw the signature “FFF ICONS” segment where a remarkable group of individuals whose contributions span sport, science, social change, and national service were honoured. Among the honorees were Shreyasi Joshi and Swarali Joshi – Skater Sisters; Alina Alam – Founder & CEO, Mitti Café; Sonal Holland – Founder & Director, SoHo Wines; Savithri H. S – Former Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru; Lt Commander Roopa Alagirisamy and Lt Commander Dilna K – Indian Navy; India’s first all-women mine rescue unit, SMART-191, Singareni Mahila Active Rescue Team; Sandhya Puchalapalli – Founder & President, Aarti for Girls; Roshni Devi – National-Level Weightlifter; and Meena Ganesh – Co-founder & Chairperson, Portea, and Trustee, Bahaar Foundation.

    Lt commander Dilna K, a commissioned officer in the Indian Navy, spoke about her life journey navigating a male-dominated force with resilience and clarity. Reflecting on her partnership with fellow officer Lt Commander Roopa Alagirisamy, she shared: “Roopa and I trained together, went through life and death situations, and spent more time at sea than on land. You get to know everything about the other person; there’s no space to be enemies. When I wasn’t okay, she was there to take over, and when she wasn’t, I stepped in. That teamwork was the real success of this journey.”

    The evening closed with a clear message: fixing the broken rung isn’t a side issue, it’s central to building stronger institutions. From rethinking how promotions work to ensuring fairness in performance evaluations, the conversations throughout this pivotal event called on organizations to act with intent, not just awareness. Parity, the room agreed, must be designed into the system, not added as an afterthought.

  • CNBC-TV18’s 25th anniversary inspires new business horizons at Global Leadership Summit

    CNBC-TV18’s 25th anniversary inspires new business horizons at Global Leadership Summit

    Mumbai: As CNBC-TV18 marked 25 years of excellence in business journalism, the Global Leadership Summit presented by HSBC India and co-presented by Embassy REIT, unfolded as a landmark event, showcasing the channel’s profound impact on India’s economic and business landscape. Held at Jio World Centre, the summit brought together visionaries from across industries, policymakers, and thought leaders to deliberate on pressing global challenges, emerging opportunities, and India’s ascent on the world stage.

    The summit opened with an address by CNBC-TV18 managing editor Shereen Bhan, who underlined India’s journey in the global economic narrative. She remarked “As CNBC-TV18 marks 25 years of excellence, the Global Leadership Summit brought together the most influential thinkers to chart out the roadmap for what India needs to focus on over the next quarter century to achieve high performance. From the policy priorities to the role of the Private sector, from manufacturing to services, from infrastructure to Artificial Intelligence, the Global Leadership Summit was the stage for insightful and transformative discussions. As we look ahead, we hope This summit will continue to reflect our commitment to providing thought leadership and an execution strategy to deliver on India’s promise and potential”

    Minister of Commerce & Industry, Government Of India, Piyush Goyal initiated the day’s conversations with a thought-provoking fireside chat, stating, “I was reviewing the numbers of a major automobile company that recently went public. It’s remarkable to note that an initial investment of $200 million made 25 years ago has yielded dividends and royalties exceeding $12 to $13 billion in just the last decade. Even with such extraordinary returns, the company’s current market capitalization remains at approximately $15 billion. This highlights the significant competitive edge that companies manufacturing in India possess. As they continue to offer better pricing and greater value, I’m confident they are poised for even greater growth.  Ultimately, companies must decide whether to maintain high margins in a softening market or to become more aggressive, capture a larger market share, and drive growth through competitive pricing. The answer lies in how they leverage their strengths in this evolving landscape.”

    The summit’s agenda was packed with discussions and thought-provoking dialogues. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das delivered a compelling keynote titled “Sailing Through Turbulence: India’s Tryst with Financial Stability”. He said, “Central banks worldwide are navigating an increasingly complex financial environment, and the Reserve Bank of India is no exception. The trade-off between supporting growth and controlling inflation remains challenging, especially in a time of high global volatility. We have witnessed the repercussions of moving ‘too early’ or ‘too late,’ particularly in the banking sector issues that emerged in advanced economies earlier this year. At the Reserve Bank, our response has been measured and timely, maintaining the flexibility to act in sync with evolving conditions. By balancing growth and inflation priorities, we aim to build resilience into India’s financial system. As we shift towards a neutral stance, we remain focused on achieving a durable alignment of inflation within target while supporting growth, underscoring our commitment to a stable and thriving economy.”

    A special segment at the event was devoted to honour Dr. C Rangarajan, Dr. Bimal Jalan, and Dr. Y. V. Reddy, former Governors of the Reserve Bank of India, for their monumental contributions to India’s economic stability.  This tribute was followed by the unveiling of “5/25 Transformative Ideas for the Next Quarter Century,” where Uday Kotak, Founder of Kotak Mahindra Bank, shared a visionary roadmap for India’s future.

    Global Leader, Esi Eggleston Bracey, Global Chief Growth & Marketing Officer, Unilever, took centre stage during the session “Boost Brands, Boost Business” where she delved into strategies for driving brand growth in competitive markets. Another highlight was the panel discussion “Investing in India’s Today & Tomorrow,” featuring insights from leading investors such as Ramesh Damani, Owner, Ramesh Damani Finance Pvt Ltd., Manish Chokhani, Director, Enam Holdings, Raamdeo Agrawal, Chairman & Co-founder, Motilal Oswal Financial Services and Ashishkumar Chauhan, MD & CEO, NSE who explored India’s economic potential and sustainable growth strategies.

    The afternoon sessions kicked off with a dynamic panel discussion on ‘Managing Markets: Is it Time to be Bullish or Bearish?’ where Ridham Desai, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley India, Rama Bijapurkar, Author & Independent Director, India Blue-Chip Companies, V. Vaidyanathan, MD & CEO, IDFC First Bank, Nilesh Shah, MD, Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company Ltd. and Samir Arora, Founder & Fund Manager, Helios Capital, shared perspectives on market trends and investment strategies. The subsequent panel, ‘India: The Outlier, ’discussed India’s position amid global economic changes, with insights from Auguste Tano Kouame, Country Director, World Bank, Krishna Srinivasan, Director, Asia & Pacific Department, International Monetary Fund  and Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Finance Secretary & Secretary (DIPAM).

    An engaging discussion titled, ‘Legacy, Longevity, Leadership: The Playbook for the Future,’ which brought together Rishad Premji, Executive Chairman of Wipro, and Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director of Bajaj Auto, who shared their insights on sustaining leadership in rapidly evolving industries.

    The summit continued with a fireside chat with Hitendra Dave, CEO of HSBC India who spoke about ‘The Next Superpower: India’s Growth Blueprint,’ and he explored strategies that could propel India to global superpower status. He commented, “India’s optimism for the next 25 years is rooted in its young demographics and unmatched digital infrastructure. With 1.4 billion people, most under 28, the potential for transformation is staggering. Strategic investments in digital payments and unified lending systems can redefine credit access, unleashing growth across sectors. By harnessing this opportunity, India can pave its way to becoming a developed economy with a per capita income of $13,000–$15,000—a bold but achievable vision.”

    The event also featured notable sessions on entrepreneurship, innovation, and India’s competitive edge. A discussion titled ‘Startup Dreams to Wealth Creation,’ where Rajan Anandan, MD, Peak XV, Amrit Acharya, Co-founder & CEO, Zetwerk, Kunal Shah, Founder, CRED and Kapil Makhija, MD & CEO, Unicommerce eSolutions discussed the challenges and successes of building thriving startups in India. Meanwhile, ‘The Promise of Phygital India: From Bricks to Broadband’ underlined the seamless integration of digital and physical spaces, with insights from Ari Sarker, President, Asia Pacific, Mastercard, Jitu Virwani, Chairman and Managing Director, Embassy Group, and Ankur Gupta, Head, Asia & Middle East Rela Estate, Brookfield.

    As the evening unfolded, Sajjan Jindal, Chairman & MD, JSW Group of Companies led a session titled ‘India’s Manufacturing Moment: Breakout Ready?’ discussing India’s potential as a global manufacturing leader. The event also witnessed the felicitation of Deepak Parekh, Former Chairman of HDFC, as an Icon of The Indian Economy who also delivered an insightful TED Talk on ‘Transforming the Financial Sector for a New Generation’.

    Further discussions explored India’s global leadership potential with a segment on –‘From The Foreign Investors Lens’ where the speakers Prem Watsa, Chairman & CEO, Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited, and John Chambers, Chairman, USISPF and Founder & CEO, J2C Ventures shared their insights. The discussion ‘India’s Right to Win,’ featuring Dr. Anish Shah, Group CEO & MD, Mahindra Group, and Falguni Nayar, Founder & CEO, Nykaa further highlighted India’s competitive edge in global markets.

    In one of the summit’s most engaging fireside chats, Adar Poonawalla, CEO, Serum Institute Of India and Karan Johar, Film Director discussed the evolution of India’s entertainment industry in ‘Cinema: Magic to Monetisation.’ Another captivating fireside chat was with Sriharsha Majety, Co-founder and Group CEO, Swiggy, who shared Swiggy’s journey leading upto IPO on “Let’s Swiggy with it”.

    The summit also honoured N.R. Narayana Murthy, Co-founder & Former Chairman, Infosys as ‘Icon of The Indian Economy’ followed by a powerful fireside chat with him titled ‘India The Next 25: Notes from N.R. Narayana Murthy,’ which reflected on India’s future in the Global Landscape. He shared his views and said, “Over the last 30 years, India has made remarkable progress. A new wave of confidence and energy is driving growth, visible in everything from local businesses and street vendors to fitness centres. Yet, while urban middle-class incomes are rising, a vast segment of the population remains untouched by globalisation. The challenge ahead is creating jobs, especially for those who cannot access high-skill industries like software. The solution lies in exports, countries like China and Vietnam have shown how global demand can drive large-scale job creation. To succeed, India must move faster in decision-making, adopt global best practices, and raise its standards of excellence. India’s potential is limitless, but realising it requires swift, competitive, and decisive action.”

    The summit had an interesting fireside chat with Leo Varadkar, former Taoiseach of Ireland, in conversation with Navtej Sarna, former Ambassador of India to the US, discussing global leadership challenges in “Finding Leadership in a Fractured World.” CNBC-TV18 Global Leadership Summit concluded with a power-packed performance by Ajay Bijli, Managing Director, PVR INOX Limited.

    CNBC-TV18 Global Leadership Summit was presented by HSBC India, and co-presented by Embassy REIT, along with Destination Partner- Saudi Tourism Authority, Associate Sponsor – ITC, AI Partner- AWS, Exchange Partner – NSE, Associate Partner – Reliance Industries

  • CNBC-TV18 marks 25 years with the inaugural edition of ‘Global Leadership Summit’

    CNBC-TV18 marks 25 years with the inaugural edition of ‘Global Leadership Summit’

    Mumbai: CNBC-TV18 has marked its 25th anniversary with a landmark economic event – the Global Leadership Summit (GLS), presented by HSBC India and co-presented by Embassy REIT. The flagship summit is scheduled to take place at the Jio Convention Centre, BKC in Mumbai on 14 November 2024.

    The flagship event celebrates 25 years of CNBC-TV18’s journey as India’s most trusted business news platform. This prestigious event marks a significant milestone, commemorating CNBC-TV18’s unmatched dominance, resilience, and success in the field of business and economic news. Over the years, the channel has earned its reputation as the go-to destination for deep insights, analysis, and coverage of India’s economic and corporate landscape. The CNBC-TV18 Global Leadership Summit will bring together a carefully curated gathering of India’s most influential voices from government, corporates, markets, and other sectors. It’s designed to foster a dialogue that inspires, informs, and influences the future direction of India’s economy and business environment.

    The summit boasts of a stellar line-up of distinguished personalities, including Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs, GoI; Shaktikanta Das, Governor, Reserve Bank of India; Deepak Parekh, Former  Chairman, HDFC; Nita Ambani, Founder & Chairperson, Reliance Foundation; Falguni Nayar, CEO, Nykaa; Rishad Premji, Executive Chairman, Wipro; Narayana Murthy, Founder & Former Chairperson, Infosys; John Chambers,  Chairman Emeritus, Cisco; William Dalrymple, Historian & Author; Prem Watsa, Chairman & CEO; Fairfax Financial Holdings; Hitendra Dave, CEO, HSBC India; Sajjan Jindal, Chairman & MD, JSW Group; Dr. Anish Shah, Group CEO and MD, Mahindra Group; Uday Kotak, Founder & Director, Kotak Mahindra Bank;  Thomas Bach, President, International Olympic Committee; Pieter Elbers, CEO, Indigo; Gautam Kumra, Asia Chairman, McKinsey & Company  among others.

    Speaking about the event, CNBC-TV18 managing editor Shereen Bhan said, ” The CNBC-TV18 Global Leadership Summit is not only a celebration of our 25-year journey but a future-focused platform designed to curate ideas to realise India’s aspiration of becoming a developed economy. By assembling some of the world’s most accomplished leaders, we aim to spark meaningful dialogues that will identify priorities for both the Govt and the Private sector to deliver on high quality, consistent and equitable growth. We believe leadership is not just about protecting the past but also attacking the future and that is what we wish to focus on at the Global Leadership Summit”

    Adding her perspective, Network18 CEO, English & Business News, Smriti Mehra said, “Only a select few brands can claim the privilege of leading their industry for 25 years. At CNBC-TV18, we are proud to celebrate this remarkable journey of excellence. To commemorate this milestone, we are hosting the Global Leadership Summit—an unparalleled event where the brightest minds from India and across the globe will converge to shape the future and redefine the path of progress.”

  • CNBC-TV18 hosted second edition of ‘Banking Transformation Summit’

    CNBC-TV18 hosted second edition of ‘Banking Transformation Summit’

    Mumbai: CNBC-TV18 in partnership with Nucleus Software hosted the second edition of the ‘Banking Transformation Summit’ on Friday, bringing together banking professionals, policymakers, and finance experts under one roof. This year’s theme, ‘Bharat’s Banking Roadmap For The Future’, highlighted the economic growth of India, and the crucial role of financial and banking institutions in driving this progress.

    Reserve Bank of India, deputy governor, J. Swaminathan presented the keynote address, followed by his fireside chat on ‘Transforming Financial Landscapes: Building Resilience for Economic Stability’. Swaminathan elaborated on the current dynamics of the financial system and offered insights into the regulatory approach of the RBI.

    He noted that while deposits are still growing at a healthy rate of 11-12% year-on-year, they have struggled to keep up with the surging demand for credit, which has been increasingly driven by digital lending. Swaminathan linked this development to broader changes in how younger generations manage their savings, suggesting that these shifts are part of a cyclical pattern in the financial landscape.

    “We had 8-9 quarters where deposits were outpacing credit, but today the demand for credit is more, aided by digital lending,” Swaminathan stated. “As the regulator, we have sensitised lenders that if this credit-deposit gap is allowed to continue for longer, there may be challenges, especially for players with a high credit-deposit ratio.”

    The evening saw another fireside chat with State Bank of India chairperson Dinesh Kumar Khera, followed by a panel discussion on ‘Filling the Credit Gap to Fuel Economic Growth’ with A.K. Tewari, MD, State Bank of India; Prashant Kumar, MD & CEO, Yes Bank and Ashok Vaswani, MD & CEO, Kotak Mahindra Bank.

    In a Ǫ&A with Shereen Bhan, V. Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Advisor, Govt. of India said, “The next set of growth for the Indian public has to be to achieve the right kind of balance in their portfolio between financial and real assets, and also have a high sense of financial literacy.”

    Nageswaran highlighted that the expansion of the financial sector depends on employment generation, income growth, and increased savings.

    He also stressed the importance of growing the concept of insurance alongside banking. “These are all the next steps that we need to contemplate as the Indian public overall

    achieves a higher level of financial inclusion than we have seen in the previous decade,”

    he noted.

    In a fireside chat on new age digital lending, Vishnu R. Dusad, MD & Co-founder, Nucleus Software highlighted the importance of data protection. “With the new data protection act now in place, banks and NBFCs must reassess their approach to data handling. This involves not just the usage of data, but also its capture, storage, and overall management. We are entering an era where data truly is the new oil, and its value will only continue to grow. However, with this value comes the responsibility to ensure that this data is not misused or abused. It’s imperative that no individual feels their personal information is being exploited or mishandled. There must be a substantial recalibration in how financial institutions manage data, focusing on robust policies and systems that prevent data from falling into the wrong hands. The most important thing is to ensure data is handled with the utmost care and security. With the right measures in place, banks can build trust and confidence among their customers, ensuring data protection is a top priority.”

    “At CNBC-TV18, India’s most credible & influential business news platform, we’re proud to focus on issues and sectors that are key to the Growth of our economy. The CNBC- TV18 Banking Transformation Summit brought together the very best of India’s financial sector to brainstorm on the future of banking while addressing current opportunities & challenges. In partnership with our collaborators, the Summit generated a robust dialogue on what it will take to build a more resilient and dynamic banking system,” said Shereen Bhan, Managing Editor, CNBC-TV18.

    Other sessions and panels featured thought leaders like Prashant Kumar, MD & CEO, Yes Bank; Ashok Vaswani, MD & CEO, Kotak Mahindra Bank; Lizzie Chapman, Co- Founder, Swiffylabs; Srinivasu MN, Co-Founder, Billdesk; Shinjini Kumar, Co-Founder, Salt and Anand Kumar Bajaj, Founder, MD & CEO, PayNearby, Shyam Srinivasan, CEO, Federal Bank, Raul Rebello, MD & CEO, Mahindra Finance; Y. S. Chakravarti, MD & CEO, Shriram Finance; Jairam Sridharan, MD, Piramal Capital & Housing Finance; Aseem Dhru, MD & CEO, SBFC Finance; Kunal Shah, Founder, CRED and Parag Bhise, CEO, Nucleus Software.

    The evening included a special felicitation by CNBC-TV18 for Dinesh Kumar Khara, Chairperson of State Bank of India, and Shyam Srinivasan, CEO of Federal Bank, in recognition of their long-standing service in the banking sector.
     

  • DBS Bank India launches India-Singapore Connect with CNBC-TV18

    DBS Bank India launches India-Singapore Connect with CNBC-TV18

    Mumbai: The India-Singapore relationship has emerged as one of the most important partnerships in the context of the ‘Asian Century’. Underpinned by a rich history of cultural and commercial connections, complementary strengths and shared priorities, the India-Singapore corridor has been growing in prominence for many years. To further strengthen these ties, DBS Bank India is launching an initiative that will bring together stakeholders from diverse sectors in both countries to identify synergies and create opportunities for charting a mutually beneficial way forward.

    Since opening its first office in Mumbai in 1994, DBS Bank has now been present in India for 30 years. The bank’s partnership with CNBC-TV18 to launch the ‘India Singapore Connect’ is also a celebration of this milestone, by further deepening the dialogue and the exchange of ideas and best practices. This effort will spread over the rest of the year and will also leverage DBS Bank’s established linkages in both Singapore and India to include perspectives from government leaders, CEOs, entrepreneurs, economists and opinion leaders that will help contextualise key themes that are relevant to this corridor, covering regional trade, investment flows, innovation, emerging technology, sustainable development and cross-cultural interests.

    Speaking on the launch of the campaign, DBS Bank India managing director and CEO Surojit Shome said, “As we celebrate three decades of growth in the country, DBS Bank reaffirms its commitment to India and to continuing to deliver value to customers as a trusted partner over many more decades to come. We envision the ‘India-Singapore Connect’ to be both a celebration of strong bilateral ties, while also looking ahead to further deepen existing relationships and forging new ones through meaningful interchange between both countries. As the largest bank in South-East Asia, it is a privilege for DBS to be able to catalyse greater collaboration between India and Singapore.”

    This milestone program will kickstart with a curtain raiser episode featuring an interview with DBS Group CEO and director Piyush Gupta led by CNBC-TV18 managing editor Shereen Bhan, focusing on how the paradigm of the India-Singapore corridor has evolved and how its strengths can serve as a blueprint for developing successful economic and people-to-people relationships between the nations. It will conclude with an exclusive event – the ‘India-Singapore Connect Summit’ to be hosted in Mumbai, which will see thought leaders and dignitaries from across the region share insights and actionable pathways for inclusive growth.  

    “As India’s premier business news platform, we at CNBC-TV18 are passionate about curating meaningful conversations and focusing on issues that matter. We are proud to partner with DBS Bank India on the ‘India-Singapore Connect’ campaign that touches upon many transformational trends, as seen through the eyes of corporate and cultural leaders in two of Asia’s fastest-growing economies. It presents us with an invaluable opportunity to combine forces with DBS Bank to help develop an important bilateral relationship”, said CNBC-TV18 managing editor Shereen Bhan reflecting on the significance of the campaign.

    DBS Bank India Limited is the first among the large foreign banks in India to start operating as a wholly owned, locally incorporated subsidiary of a leading global bank. As a trusted partner, DBS provides a range of banking services for large, medium, and small enterprises and individual consumers in India, focusing on a seamless customer experience that helps them ‘Live more, Bank less’.

  • CNBC-TV18’s Future. Female. Forward. College Connect Series empowers future changemakers at IIT Delhi Campus

    CNBC-TV18’s Future. Female. Forward. College Connect Series empowers future changemakers at IIT Delhi Campus

    Mumbai: CNBC-TV18 ‘Future. Female. Forward. College Connect program, presented by HSBC India, is a one-of-it’s kind of integration successfully concluded the first chapter at the prestigious IIT Delhi Campus on 3rd August 2024. This remarkable initiative was designed to nurture and support college students who will shape the future of the country. The series focused on empowering and preparing these future change-makers by providing them with the knowledge and tools needed to foster more inclusive and diverse workplaces.

    The event was commenced by a welcome address by Shereen Bhan, CNBC-TV18’s Managing Editor. Setting the tone for the evening she said, “It is no secret that the privilege to dream is often constrained by our circumstances by caste, class, and access to capital. These barriers are even more daunting for women, who face societal constructs and biases. Yet, from my experience and from listening to some of the world’s most celebrated leaders, one thing is clear, we must not be prisoners of our circumstances. CNBC-TV18 Future. Female. Forward College Connect Series is not just about promoting gender parity; but training next- generation leaders to tackle complex societal and business challenges, it’s about better representation of women across all spheres. As women, we can create history, challenge stereotypes, and, most importantly, be the architects of our futures.”  Following the opening remarks, a special keynote address was delivered by Hitendra Dave, CEO of HSBC India, where he spoke to the young students on the importance of keeping their entrepreneurial spirit alive and why it is vital to keep innovating oneself. He stated, “Opportunities come more often to those who are prepared rather than those who merely wait for them. The IT sector has nurtured many entrepreneurs, and if you have an entrepreneurial spirit, keep that fire alive. Some of the most remarkable leaders globally—whether in politics, sports, or business—stand out due to their hunger for success, no matter their age, wealth, or past accomplishments. The country needs innovators who can create jobs and wealth and inspire others. Don’t settle for the safer path; pursue your entrepreneurial ambitions.”

    A special address on ‘Parity Starts at Home’ by Angelie Multani, Dean – Diversity and Inclusion, IIT Delhi was followed by a talk by Pooja Sharma Goyal, CEO, The Udaiti Foundation where she shared some interesting insights on the current women representation across leading sectors such as healthcare, IT, consumer services, and banking.

    The event continued with an engaging fireside chat on ‘Revolutionising Gig Work for Women: The Urban Company Way’ featuring Abhiraj Singh Bhal, Co-Founder and CEO of Urban Company.  He shared his insights, saying, “Enabling equal participation of women in the workforce isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a smart business decision. Women make the majority of the consumer decisions, especially in home services, without a strong female presence, you’ll struggle to truly understand and meet your customers’ needs. As entrepreneurs, it’s important to ensure women are well-represented across all levels, from the gig workforce to leadership roles, to drive both empathy and effectiveness in business strategy. By striving for higher female representation, especially in leadership, we are not only meeting business needs but also setting a standard for a supportive, inclusive workplace that attracts and retains talent.”

    The chat was followed by a compelling panel discussion on ‘Clutter Breakers: The Power of Deep Tech,’ featuring Seema Goel, Vice President, HCLTech; Anuradha Acharya, CEO, MapMyGenome; Neha Singh, Founder, Chairperson & MD, Tracxn; and Saraniya P, Vehicle Director, Agnibaan SOrTeD. Speaking on her experience, Seema Goel, said “Over the years, I have practised four things. First, embrace and believe in your strengths—your technical knowledge and unique perspective are the bedrock of innovation.  The second thing is networking. Network with people you come across, share your ideas, and express them.  The third thing is to keep learning. Our industry is about change, and there is a lot of innovation happening every day. Sometimes, it is impossible to catch up and do everything, so keep learning. Wherever there is an opportunity, learn from it. Lastly, don’t get disheartened by failure; it will happen, view failures as learning experiences, use them to refine your approach, and move forward with greater insight and determination.” Speaking about her experience Saraniya P said “On the day we launched Agnibaan Sub-Orbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD), we didn’t have any life gear. And then when we saw the flight flying just the way we wanted it to fly, it was such a relief. The number of times we do this, we come back stronger with solutions for what we need to do right. There were several countdowns, but every time the team was like, ‘Let’s do it.’ At every step and setback, they were always trying for the best, consistently innovating and executing with precision.”

    The event seamlessly transitioned into an intriguing special talk by Punit Goyal, Co-Founder of BluSmart which was followed by a collaborative ‘Ask Me Anything’ session. The evening continued with a thought-provoking fireside chat on ‘India – The Economic Powerhouse’ with KV Subramaniam, Formed CEA and MD, IMF. He said “The resilience and skills that women bring are invaluable, both in individual businesses and to the broader economy. Through the generations—from my mother to my wife, and now my daughter—I’ve gained a deep appreciation for the unique perspectives and strength women offer. As we encounter a growing array of economic and social shocks over the next 20-25 years, building resilience will become increasingly crucial. Women not only exemplify this trait, but they also inspire others to develop it. Lastly, achieving a 40-45% labour force participation rate for women would be a significant step forward, helping to build a more resilient and inclusive economy.”

    The evening concluded with a special address on ‘Bridging the Gender Gap’ by Nirat Ray, Assistant Professor- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, IIT Delhi. The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session and an open house, leaving the students inspired and motivated to take on future challenges with confidence and a fresh perspective.

  • CNBC-TV18 and HSBC India concludes ‘HSBC presents CNBC-TV18 SME Champion Awards’

    CNBC-TV18 and HSBC India concludes ‘HSBC presents CNBC-TV18 SME Champion Awards’

    Mumbai: CNBC-TV18, India’s leading business and financial news channel, in collaboration with HSBC India, successfully concluded the “HSBC presents CNBC-TV18 SME Champion Awards”. The awards ceremony, held at the prestigious Taj Mahal, Man Singh in New Delhi, marked the culmination of a transformative six-month initiative dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the extraordinary achievements of India’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The evening began on a high note with a  performance by singer Usha Uthup. 

    The awards ceremony was graced by the Honorable Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, Shri. Nitin Gadkari. While addressing the audience he said, “MSMEs have been excelling with new research, technology, and innovations. We believe this is the right time for India to reduce imports and increase exports. For instance, the government spends INR 2,00,000 crores annually on fertilizer subsidies. Today, we passed a resolution in the cabinet regarding the same. By using new technologies like nano fertilizers and nano pesticides, we can reduce costs and increase profitability. MSMEs are doing an excellent job in this regard and boosting exports.”

    CNBC-TV18 managing editor Shereen Bhan gave a welcome address to the audience. In her address, she said, “CNBC-TV18 and HSBC India SME Champion Awards celebrate the outstanding individuals driving the SME sector. As we honour these remarkable champions, it’s important to acknowledge the impact of the MSME sector. With 63 million enterprises, MSMEs contribute approximately 30% to India’s GDP, 45% to manufacturing, and 40% to the country’s exports, generating over 110 million jobs and showcasing their vital role in employment creation. Embracing digital transformation, 72% of MSME payments are now conducted online, and 43% are engaged in e-commerce, highlighting their adaptability and competence. Additionally, the recent budget emphasises development with a capital expenditure allocation of 20,000 crores for creating industry clusters, tech hubs, and common facility centers, enhancing operational efficiency and competitiveness.

    SMEs from various sectors were recognised for their remarkable work in their respective industries. Thirteen organisations, including two entrepreneurs, were honoured under seven different categories such as Manufacturing SME of The Year, Excellence In Sustainability Practices, Retail & E-Commerce SME of The Year, and Entrepreneur of The Year, among others. These awards underscore the sector’s essential role in driving the nation’s economic growth and honour the resilient spirit of India’s entrepreneurial landscape.

    HSBC India CEO Hitendra Dave took the stage for a keynote address. He said “We aim to support entrepreneurship by honouring entrepreneurs. The tagline ‘Excellence Meets Recognition’ embodies our belief that SMEs are crucial to the country’s economy, often more than we realise. Managing small and micro businesses is incredibly tough, and only those who have experienced it can fully grasp the challenges. We are dedicated to supporting entrepreneurship and are pleased that these awards and their visibility will inspire younger generations.”

    The discussion delved into the impact of PLI Schemes with insights from Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, DPIIT, and S Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India, in an intriguing fireside chat. Speaking about the PLI Schemes Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, DPIIT said “The overall progress of the PLI schemes highlights significant achievements across various sectors. Notably, sectors such as electronics, food processing, bulk drugs, and pharmaceuticals have shown exceptional performance. We have recorded sales of nearly 1,10,000 crores, around 13,000 crores in new greenfield investments, and exports totaling approximately 40,000 crores. Moreover, these initiatives have created employment opportunities for over 8.12 lakh individuals. The swift development in these rapidly advancing sectors has helped offset some slower areas, benefiting a broader ecosystem of vendors, mainly from the MSME sector.”

    Furthermore, S Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India said “If I were in the electronics sector and these schemes were introduced, it would present a significant opportunity for growth. With internships and similar initiatives, the industry can address the major challenge of skills by providing the necessary manpower, thereby facilitating the establishment of new units. The government is actively supporting these efforts.”

    A subsequent fireside chat featuring Rajnish Kumar, Former Chairperson of SBI, addressed the critical importance of enhancing credit availability within the financial system. T. Koshy, MD & CEO of ONDC, discussed ONDC’s preparations to ensure equal opportunities for both small and large enterprises. These fireside chats provided valuable industry insights. Ajay Sharma, MD and Head of Commercial Banking at HSBC India, delivered a special talk highlighting the financial challenges faced by Indian SMEs. The event featured a Q&A session with the esteemed jury panel.

    The event concluded with an enchanting performance by Usha Uthup, dedicated to Kargil Diwas on July 26, which deeply moved the audience.

    Mentioned below is the list of winners –

    Umbrella Sr. No Category Winners
    Medium Enterprises 1 Excellence in Community Engagement RuralShores Business Pvt Ltd
    2 Excellence In Export Promotion Real Time Data Services Pvt Ltd
    3 Excellence In Sustainability Practices Banyan Sustainable Waste Management Pvt Ltd
    4 Manufacturing SME of The Year Rotex Automation Pvt Ltd
    5 Retail & E-Commerce SME of The Year Ikon Retail Pvt Ltd
    6 Services SME of The Year eMudhra Ltd  
    Special Jury Awards 7 Entrepreneur of The Year Sanjay Kabra –Raghav Productivity Enhancers Ltd
    Small Enterprises 8 Excellence in Community Engagement VSS Tech Solutions Pvt Ltd
    9 Excellence in Digital Transformation IoTechWorld Avigation Pvt Ltd
    10 Excellence In Export Promotion Noble Cast Comp Pvt Ltd
    11 Excellence In Sustainability Practices Health Wheels Pvt Ltd
    12 Manufacturing SME of The Year Upstander Technologies Pvt Ltd
    13 Retail & E-Commerce SME of The Year Newjaisa Technologies Ltd
    14 Services SME of The Year Meraqui Ventures Pvt Ltd
    Special Jury Awards 15 Entrepreneur of The Year Dhaval Mehta –Upstander Technologies Pvt Ltd
  • CNBC-TV18’s Future. Female. Forward. launches the College Connect Series to guide future leaders in building an equitable future

    CNBC-TV18’s Future. Female. Forward. launches the College Connect Series to guide future leaders in building an equitable future

    Mumbai: In a steadfast commitment to inspire real change, CNBC-TV18 has launched the ‘Future Female Forward – A Women’s Collective,’ presented by HSBC India, a transformative movement aimed at bridging gender parity gaps in the workforce. This groundbreaking initiative continues to pave the way for a brighter and more inclusive future with the introduction of the ‘College Connect Series’, a unique program designed to converse with and nurture the leaders of tomorrow- the students! These series seek to empower young changemakers by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives needed to foster more inclusive and diverse workplaces. The goal is to cultivate a new generation of leaders who are not only prepared to succeed in their careers but are also committed to creating equal, inclusive workplaces.

    The inaugural event of College Connect will be held at the prestigious IIT Delhi campus on August 3, 2024, starting at 3:00 PM.

    This association with one of India’s premier educational institutes which has given the country few of the best entrepreneurs and leaders of Corporate India underscores our commitment to advancing gender equality and nurturing future leaders. This collaboration aims to harness the intellectual and innovative spirit of IIT Delhi to inspire and empower the next generation of changemakers. What a way to give back to the alma matter IIT, with alumni such as KV Subramanian, Former CEA, & ED, IMF; Abhiraj Bhal, CEO, Urban Company; Saraniya P, Vehicle Director, Agnibaan SOrTeD; Anu Acharya, CEO, MapmyGenome; Neha Singh, Founder, Chairperson & Managing Director, Tracxn speaking to the students.  

    The event will feature a distinguished panel of speakers, including Hitendra Dave, CEO of HSBC India; KV Subramanian, Former CEA & ED, IMF; Abhiraj Bhal, CEO of Urban Company; Seema Goel, Vice President, HCLTech; Punit Goyal, Co-Founder of BluSmart; Anuradha Acharya, CEO of MapmyGe1nome; Neha Singh, Founder, Chairperson & Managing Director of Tracxn; and Saraniya P, Vehicle Director, Agnibaan SOrTeD. These esteemed guests will share their experiences and provide valuable insights to inspire and mentor the next generation of business leaders.

    The event will commence with an opening address by CNBC-TV18, managing editor Shereen Bhan who will set the context for the day’s discussions. This will be followed by a special keynote address by Hitendra Dave, CEO of HSBC India CEO Hitendra Dave who will highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The program will then feature a fireside chat with Urban Company CEO Abhiraj Singh Bhal exploring how Urban Company has revolutionised Gig work for women and the pivotal role of innovation in business. This will be followed by a special talk by BluSmart co-founder Punit Goyal where he will share how BluSmart has scripted a smart mobility story in the field, culminating in an ‘Ask Me Anything’ session, allowing students to engage directly with him.

    A panel discussion titled ‘Clutter Breakers: Women Scripting a New Success Story’ will feature Seema Goel, Vice President, HCLTech; Anuradha Acharya, CEO of MapmyGenome; Neha Singh, Founder, Chairperson & MD of Tracxn; and Saraniya P, Vehicle Director, Agnibaan SOrTeD. This session will focus on the achievements and challenges of these remarkable women leaders & the power of deep tech. This would be followed by an interesting fireside chat with KV Subramanian, Former CEA & ED, IMF on his latest book ‘India – The Economic Powerhouse’. The event will conclude with a Q&A session, giving students the opportunity to ask questions and gain further insights from the speakers.

    Talking about the initiative, Shereen Bhan said, “With the launch of the College Connect Series, under Future. Female. Forward we are taking a meaningful step towards connecting the leaders of today with the leaders of tomorrow – with the hope of driving conversations around building a diverse, inclusive workforce driven by the quest to deliver on excellence.  This series celebrates the resilience and innovation of tomorrow’s trailblazers”

    Hitendra Dave  elaborated, “At HSBC, we believe diverse perspectives drive innovation and success and we remain committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. The College Connect series, part of “Future. Female. Forward – The Women’s Collective”, is our attempt to empower the next generation of leaders to build a more equitable future. By prioritizing inclusivity and equity, we can unlock a brighter future for all and create a society where all voices are valued and empowered.”

    Network18 business news CEO Smriti Mehra  said, “We believe that addressing and nurturing students who are the leaders of the future will foster inclusive and diverse workplaces, promote equal opportunities, and prepare them to address complex societal and business challenges. CNBC-TV18 has always been at the forefront of promoting gender equality, and through the College Connect Series, we aim to address the transformative impact of diverse leadership. Our sessions will explore the personal and professional journeys of these remarkable leaders, offering invaluable insights and inspiration for the student attendees. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to nurturing the next generation of inclusive and forward-thinking business leaders.”

  • CNBC-TV18 and HSBC India celebrates achievements of SMEs with SME Champion Awards

    CNBC-TV18 and HSBC India celebrates achievements of SMEs with SME Champion Awards

    Mumbai: CNBC-TV18, India’s leading business and financial news channel, in collaboration with HSBC India, is set to host the grand finale of HSBC presents CNBC-TV18 SME Champion Awards. This landmark event caps off a transformative six-month initiative dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the remarkable achievements of India’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). These awards stand as a testament to the sector’s pivotal role in driving the nation’s economic engine and celebrate the indomitable spirit of India’s entrepreneurial landscape. The SME Champion Awards ceremony will unfold on 26 July 2024 in New Delhi, from 5:30 PM, recognizing the enduring determination, pioneering spirit, and resilience of Indian SMEs across 15+ categories including Sustainability Practices, Digital Transformation, Export Promotion, Manufacturing, and Entrepreneurship, among others.

    The ceremony will be graced by the presence of Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport & Highways, GoI, as the guest of honour, alongside other distinguished guests including Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, DPIIT; T. Koshy, CEO & MD, ONDC; Hitendra Dave, CEO, HSBC India and Ajay Sharma, MD & Head-Commercial Banking, HSBC India.

    The SME Champion Awards boasts a grand jury of eminent industry leaders, each a titan in their field, who have meticulously evaluated every entry leveraging their collective expertise.  The esteemed jury comprises distinguished industry leaders, led by Rajnish Kumar, Former Chairperson, SBI and Jury members Atul Lall, VC & MD, Dixon Technologies India Ltd; Preeti Bajaj, CEO & MD, Luminous Power Technologies; Shradha Suri, CMD, Subros Ltd, & President, ACMA; Dinesh Kanabar, CEO, Dhruva Advisors; Girish Luthra, President, FICCI Confederation of MSMEs (FICCI-CMSME) & Chairman, Gujarat Enviro Protection & Infrastructure Ltd; Ashok Saigal, Co-Chairman, CII National MSME Council & MD, Frontier Technologies Pvt. Ltd.; Raghav Chandra, Ex-Secretary, GOI & Author and Founder, Cunsult; Chandrakant Salunkhe, Founder & President, SME Chamber of India; and Anju Srivastava-Founder, Wingreens World. The winner selection was a rigorous three-step screening process, culminating in the final selection by the esteemed panel of grand jury members. EY served as the ‘Process Advisors’ for this initiative.

    The evening will open with a gripping performance by legendary singer Usha Uthup, followed by a welcome address by Shereen Bhan, Managing Editor, CNBC-TV18. Key addresses will be delivered by Hitendra Dave, CEO of HSBC India, and Ajay Sharma, MD and Head of Commercial Banking at HSBC India.

    For the last six months, CNBC-TV18 and HSBC India have nurtured the SME community through a series of masterclasses and workshops, culminating in this grand awards ceremony. These initiatives empowered SMEs with critical knowledge and growth strategies, supporting India’s vision to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2027. The masterclass covered topics like ‘Navigating SME Export-Import in Global Landscape” and “Empowering SMEs for Sustainable Growth in Global Supply Chains’, addressing the unique challenges faced by SMEs. Furthermore, these classes were complemented by interactive webinars that served as a nexus for industry experts, policymakers, and entrepreneurs, fostering dialogue on innovative measures to propel SME success and maximize sector-wide participation.

    CNBC-TV18 managing editor Shereen Bhan said, “The SME Champion Awards are a testament to the remarkable contributions of Indian SMEs, recognizing their pivotal role in driving economic growth and innovation across the nation. These enterprises are the backbone of our economy, driving innovation, creating employment opportunities, and fostering economic resilience. By celebrating and recognizing their achievements, we honor their hard work and inspire future generations of entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams and drive our nation’s growth. Now is the moment to highlight these pioneers and recognize their pivotal contribution to India’s economic development.”

    HSBC India CEO Hitendra Dave stated, “At HSBC, we believe SMEs and start-ups are the true growth engine of our country. Supporting them isn’t just about meeting their financing needs, it’s also about fostering innovation, creating jobs and helping them meet their global aspirations. We recognize the pivotal role that India’s SME champions play in India’s growth story and are happy to celebrate their success.”

  • CNBC-TV18 brings analysis of first Post-Election

    CNBC-TV18 brings analysis of first Post-Election

    Mumbai: CNBC-TV18 in its 25th year, brings the most innovative and standout coverage of the Union Budget post-elections under its theme “Go for Growth”. The theme resonates with the hope that the budget will sustain and enhance the current growth momentum for the country, leveraging India’s relative economic strength amidst global uncertainties. Thus, with Budget 2024: Go for the Growth, CNBC-TV18 leverages its expertise in analysis and presentation with a programming lineup dedicated to providing detailed insights and perspectives leading up to the budget, decoding its implications for the audience, and featuring the biggest names in the business.

    For 25 years, CNBC-TV18 has offered unmatched Budget reportage, simplified complex policies and captured the pulse of the average citizen. As India’s Budget Headquarters, it gives voice to their expectations and reflects the nation’s sentiments. The channel’s ‘CNBC-TV18 Budget Box – Share Your Budget Wishlist for the FM’ initiative furthers this by providing a platform for citizens to express their hopes for Budget 2024, with this Budget Box having travelled to multiple locations in Mumbai and Delhi across leading malls, PVR cinema halls, colleges and convenience stores such as 7/11 to engage viewers in real-time. The Budget Box was also available virtually on the CNBC-TV18 website to allow social media followers to share their wishlist for the Budget. People also had the opportunity to interact with CNBC-TV18 by using an interactive AR filter, thus enhancing their engagement. Through these efforts, they have successfully garnered over 3000 responses as part of the audiences’ budget wishlist from diverse demographics across cities. These inputs will be presented to the Finance Minister, ensuring the masses’ voices are heard.

    Always driving innovation, the channel launched CNBC-TV18’s Budget Buddy, an AI-powered tool that simplifies Union Budget jargon and concepts. It allows users to ask questions and engage in conversations, making the budget’s key takeaways and impacts easy to understand.

    In terms of their programming, the channel is committed to capturing the diverse recommendations from various sectors and industries to the finance ministry. Its goal is to reflect the current economic climate and identify the key issues the government needs to address with shows such as the Budget Countdown series and Budget Townhall. The comprehensive and well-rounded Budget Day reportage will feature esteemed names such as Ramesh Damani (Market Veteran); Raamdeo Agrawal (Motilal Oswal); Neelkanth Mishra; Ridham Desai (Morgan Stanley), Mahesh Nandurkar (Jefferies), Nilesh Shah (Kotak Mahindra AMC), Prashant Jain (3P Investment Managers), Samir Arora (Helios Capital), Prashant Khemka (White Oak Capital), Madhu Kela (Market Veteran), Sunil Singhania (Abakkus Asset Manager), Nilesh Shah (Envision Capital), Gautam Duggad (Motilal Oswal), Gautam Trivedi (Nepean Capital) and Dharmesh Mehta (Axis Capital) under the Budget Market Masters. It will also feature top leaders from India Inc., such as Anish Shah (Mahindra & Mahindra), Suneeta Reddy (Apollo Hospitals), Anant Goenka (CEAT), and Ashishkumar Chauhan (NSE), as well as global voices such as Christopher Woods of Jefferies and Arvind Sanger (Geosphere Capital Management) to share the FII view.

    “For 25 years, CNBC-TV18 has been at the forefront of Union Budget coverage, providing IN-DEPTH analysis in real time.  This year, marks the first post-election budget of the third term of the Modi Government, and we remain committed to inform, educate, and engage the masses nationwide, offering a comprehensive understanding of how the budget will impact the country’s economic landscape. Another key aspect of our budget coverage is the involvement of over 100 experts from various sectors. These experts come from different industries and bring a wealth of knowledge along with unique insights and perspectives. We meticulously curate a list of influential opinion makers, both domestic and international, to join our coverage. This approach ensures that we provide diverse and informed viewpoints on the budget. Our Budget Box initiative further amplifies public expectations, reinforcing our role as a bridge between policymakers and the public. We will also mark the budget by ringing the Budget Bell at the National Stock Exchange, in the presence of some of the most influential market makers. By breaking down policy announcements and their implications for various industries in real-time, we ensure our viewers grasp the full significance of the budget’s provisions,” stated CNBC-TV18 managing editor Shereen Bhan.

    Network18 CEO, Business News Smriti Mehra adeed, “As the leading brand in business and financial news, our programming offers a 360-degree view of the budget with diverse opinions, analysis, and insights. Our goal is to decode its impact on industries and individuals, ensuring everyone understands its significance. Since the last 25 years, we’re committed to providing the information needed for informed financial decisions, with CNBC-TV18’s seamless multi-platform offerings available on TV, our website, YouTube and social platforms. We’ve also launched the CNBC-TV18 Budget Buddy, an AI-powered chatbot that helps users breakdown complex jargons related to the budget and understand it better. We would also like to thank our partners such as FICCI and CII as well as Life Insurance Corporation of India, Mahindra XUV 700 and Kalyani Ferresta, for their support and contribution towards making the CNBC-TV18 Budget programming a resounding success.”