Episodes

  • From mines to megacities: Can green zinc power India’s future? | Trending Commodity Podcast | EP 09

    From mines to megacities: Can green zinc power India’s future? | Trending Commodity Podcast | EP 09
    May 13 2026
    What do steel, solar energy, fertilizers, and climate goals have in common? Zinc. In this episode of Trending Commodity Podcast, host M R Subramani Mancombu sits down with Nikhil Raj, Director, Sustainable Outcomes Pvt. Ltd., to unpack how responsible mining is quietly becoming one of the biggest shifts in the global commodity landscape. From cleaner supply chains and ESG compliance to zinc-based energy storage systems and food security, Raj explains why mining today is no longer just about extraction, but about sustainability, transparency, and long-term industrial growth. The conversation also explores how India is positioning itself as a reliable supplier of green and responsibly produced metals in a rapidly changing world. Tune in for a deep dive into the intersection of mining, climate policy, infrastructure, and the future of global trade.
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    21 mins
  • War, gold, and diamonds: How geopolitics shapes jewellery sales | Trending Commodity Podcast | EP 08

    War, gold, and diamonds: How geopolitics shapes jewellery sales | Trending Commodity Podcast | EP 08
    Mar 31 2026
    In this episode of Trending Commodity Podcast, host Subramani Ra Mancombu talks to Parag Shah, CEO of Krishna Diamonds, about the changing landscape of India’s diamond jewelry market. Shah explains how tier 2 and tier 3 cities are emerging as key growth hubs, and how volatile gold prices and geopolitical tensions influence consumer behavior. He also shares how Krishna Diamonds uses fast manufacturing and supply chain systems to deliver products from store to factory and back within 48 hours, ensuring fresh designs and a better customer experience. Tune in to explore how tradition, technology, and new markets are reshaping the industry. (Host: Subramani Ra Mancombu, Producer: Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy)
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    14 mins
  • Gold, silver and copper turn volatile after record highs: Expert explains what’s next? | Trending Commodity Podcast | EP 07

    Gold, silver and copper turn volatile after record highs: Expert explains what’s next? | Trending Commodity Podcast | EP 07
    Feb 23 2026
    In this episode of Trending Commodity Podcast, host Subramani Ra Mancombu discusses the sudden volatility in gold, silver, and copper after their record-breaking rallies in December and January. Jateen N Trivedi, VP & Research Analyst (Commodity & Currency) at LKP Securities, breaks down what triggered the sharp swings, from COMEX margin hikes to geopolitical tensions and shares his near-term and long-term outlook for precious and industrial metals. Tune in for sharp insights on price ranges, market drivers, and what Indian investors can expect in the months ahead.
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    11 mins
  • Gold, grams, and growth: Will lightweight gold take the lead? | The Trending commodity podcast | Episode 06

    Gold, grams, and growth: Will lightweight gold take the lead? | The Trending commodity podcast | Episode 06
    Jan 8 2026
    In this episode of businessline’s Trending Commodity Podcast, Subramani Ra Mancombu talks to Viraj Thadeshwar, Executive Director and CEO, Shringar House of Mangalsutra, about the shift toward lighter and lower caratage gold amid rising prices. Thadeshwar explains why 18 and 14 carat jewellery is gaining popularity, how 9 carat is still in its early adoption phase, and how weight-reduction strategies and modern infrastructure are helping manufacturers maintain design, quality, and affordability.
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    8 mins
  • Precious metals rally: Portfolio strategy for gold and silver in 2026| The Trending commodity podcast | Episode 05

    Precious metals rally: Portfolio strategy for gold and silver in 2026| The Trending commodity podcast | Episode 05
    Dec 30 2025
    In this episode of businessline’s Trending Commodity Podcast, host Subramani Ra Mancombu talks to Mr Ponmudi, CEO of Enrich Money, about the sharp rise in precious metals and the factors driving gold and silver prices.The discussion covers why gold and silver have outperformed other asset classes amid economic uncertainty, geopolitical risks, and questions around currency confidence. Mr Ponmudi explains why portfolio allocation to precious metals should vary by investor, based on risk appetite, hedging needs, and personal financial circumstances.The episode also looks ahead to 2026, examining the role of central bank credibility, reserve diversification, and the growing industrial demand for silver from electric vehicles, renewable energy, and technology-driven sectors.
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    6 mins
  • Potash problems and Phosphatic puzzles: Who’s winning the supply game? | The Trending commodity podcast | Episode 04

    Potash problems and Phosphatic puzzles: Who’s winning the supply game? | The Trending commodity podcast | Episode 04
    Nov 13 2025
    In this episode of businessLine’s Trending Commodity Podcast, host Subramani Ra Mancombu speaks with Abhishek Wadekar, Founder and Chairman of Tradelink International Pvt. Ltd about the evolving fertilizer market in India and its impact on agriculture, crop inputs, and sustainable farming. They discuss how US sanctions on Russian oil, China’s fertilizer export restrictions, and rising global energy and freight costs are driving up prices for NPK, DAP, urea, and specialty fertilizers. Wadekar explains how Indian farmers are adopting soil testing, soil health cards, nano urea, neem-coated urea, and slow-release nitrogen fertilizers to improve crop yields and input efficiency. The conversation goes on to cover government policies, nutrient-based subsidies, self-reliance initiatives, and long-term import strategies to stabilise the fertilizer supply chain. With insights on climate-smart agriculture, precision farming, and water-soluble fertilizers, this episode highlights the challenges and opportunities shaping India’s agriculture, farm economics, and commodity markets today. (Host: Subramani Ra Mancombu , Producer: Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy)
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    11 mins
  • Grain gains: Is maize the new sweet spot for India’s ethanol push? The Trending commodity podcast | Episode 03

    Grain gains: Is maize the new sweet spot for India’s ethanol push? The Trending commodity podcast | Episode 03
    Oct 24 2025
    In this episode of BusinessLine’s Trending Commodities, host Subramani Ra Mancombu is joined by Dr CK Jain, President, Grain Ethanol Manufacturers Association to discuss how India’s grain ethanol industry is transforming the country’s energy and agricultural landscape. Dr Jain explains how the ethanol blending programme, once dependent solely on sugarcane, has expanded since 2018 to include maize and surplus rice — helping India move closer to its 20 per cent blending target. He highlights how this shift has boosted farmers’ incomes, reduced fuel imports, and strengthened rural economies. The conversation also delves into the economics of ethanol pricing, government policy reforms, and how India is balancing ethanol production with food security.
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    18 mins
  • Natural diamond market outlook 2025 – India’s sparkling growth story | Trending Commodity Podcast | EP 02

    Natural diamond market outlook 2025 – India’s sparkling growth story | Trending Commodity Podcast | EP 02
    Sep 18 2025
    In this episode of Business Line's Trending Commodity Podcast, we speak with Richa Singh, Managing Director – India & Middle East, Natural Diamond Council (NDC). She shares exclusive insights into the natural diamond market, including the current trends, sales performance across India and the Middle East, the impact of gold prices, and the growing demand in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Richa also explains how NDC empowers consumers and collaborates with retailers to promote ethical and informed diamond purchases. Tune in for a sparkling conversation on the future of natural diamonds.
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    12 mins