Energonomics podcast with Richa Mishra

Global energy transition is no longer about climate; it’s about economics, security, and survival. In this episode, Richa Mishra speaks with Woochong Um, CEO of the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, on how innovative financing models are unlocking billions for clean energy in emerging markets. From tackling energy poverty affecting 700 million people to leveraging AI-driven grids in India, the conversation explores how geopolitics, philanthropy, and technology are reshaping the future of energy. Can clean energy also drive global peace and economic growth? Watch to find out.

Surging fuel prices, disrupted flight routes, and rising operational costs have created what industry watchers call a “perfect storm” for aviation and tourism. In the aviation sector, fuel costs typically account for 40% of operating expenses. It has surged to nearly 55% of costs for some Indian carriers. The Indian government has significantly increased the export duty (often called a windfall tax) on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) to ensure domestic availability during the ongoing West Asia conflict. In this episode of Energonomics, host Richa Mishra, Resident Editor, businessline speaks with Kirti Rao, Retd. Executive Director – Finance, Air India, and founding Chief Financial Officer – Air Kerala, to unpack fuel shortages, airline hedging strategies, route viability, and how carriers are coping without crushing passenger demand.

India’s maritime trade is under growing pressure as global geopolitical tensions disrupt key shipping routes crucial for energy imports and exports. In this episode of Energonomics, host Richa Mishra speaks with businessline's T E Raja Simhan to unpack India’s vulnerability at critical chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, the case for building a national merchant fleet, rising insurance risks, and whether a proposed sovereign reinsurance fund can protect India’s supply chains in turbulent times.

In this episode of Energonomics, host Richa Mishra speaks with energy expert Professor Tom Seng on the escalating Middle East conflict involving Israel, the US, and Iran, and its far-reaching consequences on global economies. The discussion unpacks how attacks on critical oil and LNG infrastructure, disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, and rising geopolitical tensions are reshaping supply chains, driving oil price shocks, and creating economic uncertainty worldwide. The interview also explores the challenges for major economies like India, China, and the US, the future of the petrodollar, and the urgent need for nations to rethink energy security strategies in an increasingly volatile world.

India’s energy lifeline is under pressure as escalating tensions around the Strait of Hormuz threaten global oil flows. In this episode of Energonomics, Richa Mishra speaks with Washington‑based energy diplomacy expert Umud Shokri to decode what the Iran–Israel–US conflict means for India’s crude imports, LNG security, inflation risks, and long‑term clean energy transition. The conversation goes deep into geopolitical balancing, India’s strategic autonomy, diversification efforts, and the road ahead for global energy stability.

In this episode of Energonomics, host Richa Mishra speaks with Sunil Mani, Policy Advisor at IISD, about a new report on India’s clean‑cooking transition. They explore why decentralised biogas and electric cooking though clean and cost‑effective still struggle to scale, and what financial, policy, and service‑delivery reforms are needed. Richa and Sunil also discuss the affordability barriers, state‑level challenges, maintenance gaps, and how India can diversify beyond LPG to build resilient, indigenous clean‑cooking systems. A crisp, insightful explainer on the future of clean energy for Indian households.

In this explainer podcast, host Renil S Varghese speaks with Richa Mishra, Resident Editor of The Hindu businessline, to unpack India’s evolving crude oil sourcing strategy amid US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a new trade agreement with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With India expanding its crude suppliers from 27 to 41 countries, the discussion dives into geopolitical pressures, diversification tactics, refinery capabilities, and the big question: Will India really stop buying Russian oil? Richa breaks down the dynamics, timelines, and economic realities shaping India's energy decisions.

In this episode of Energonomics from India Energy Week 2026, host Renil S Varghese speaks with Richa Mishra, Resident Editor, businessline, to decode the complexities of India’s energy transition. The conversation covers India’s surging power demand, financial and institutional barriers, grid and storage challenges, and the socioeconomic realities shaping the clean energy push. Richa also explores India's new role as BRICS Chair, the future of BRICS energy cooperation, and what the industry expects from Nirmala Sitharaman’s upcoming Union Budget presentation.

In this Energonomics Podcast businessline’s Renil S Varghese speaks with Richa Mishra, Resident Editor, about the recent developments in Venezuela, shifting oil dynamics, and what these changes mean for India’s energy security, exploration opportunities, and refining sector. Tune in for expert insights on geopolitics, crude oil markets, and India’s strategic advantage.

In this special year-end episode of Energonomics, Richa Mishra speaks with Lauri Myllyvirta, co-founder and lead analyst of the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air, about the biggest energy trends of 2025 and what to expect in 2026. From geopolitics and Russian oil sanctions to India’s clean energy push, EV adoption, and the coal debate, we explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the global energy landscape. Stay tuned for expert insights on energy security, transition strategies, and the role of India and China in driving change.

In this episode of Energenomics, Renil S Varghese speaks with Richa Mishra, Resident Editor at BusinessLine, to decode the geopolitical and economic implications of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent statement during the India-Russia Summit. From energy security to strategic autonomy, the discussion explores how India navigates the complex triangle of Russia, the US, and global sanctions while ensuring uninterrupted fuel supplies.

India is pushing hard to boost LNG in its energy mix — but what are the real challenges on pricing, infrastructure, transparency, and market monopoly? In this episode of Energonomics, host Richa Mishra speaks with Dr. Anil Kumar Jain, Chairman of Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), for an inside view of India’s LNG roadmap, regulatory hurdles, and the future of natural gas in the country.

In this episode of Energonomics, we unpack India’s historic LPG import agreement with the United States. Why is this deal significant? Is it driven by economics, diplomacy, or both? Join us as we explore the implications for India’s energy security, pricing, and global trade dynamics.

In this 25th Episode of Energonomics, Richa Mishra sits down with Arvinder Singh Sahney, Chairman of Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOC) — India’s largest refiner and integrated energy major. Together, they decode India’s refinery roadmap expansion amidst changing geopolitical dynamics, the transition to cleaner fuels, and the company’s vision for a net-zero future. 🎧 Tune in for expert insights on how Indian Oil is redefining its role — from a traditional refiner to a 360-degree energy company driving India’s energy transition.

In this episode of the Energonomics podcast, businessline’s Richa Mishra speaks to Arun Kumar Singh, former Indian Ambassador to the US 2015-2016 and currently a senior fellow with the Asia program at the German Marshall Fund of the US. From trade disputes and oil diplomacy to ambitious bilateral agreements and personal politics, the conversation explores whether India is better positioned today to negotiate with the U.S. Mr. Arun offers insights into recent developments, including President Trump's fluctuating stance, the impact of India's ties with Russia, and the broader implications of a potential $500 billion trade goal. Tune in for a deep dive into diplomacy, strategy, and the future of Indo-U.S. relations.Singh also talks about President Trump's approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, noting his claims about resolving it quickly but facing criticism for lack of action. He explained how Trump, unable to take measures against Russia or China due to various constraints, imposed additional tariffs on India to appear proactive.  Listen in the full episode to know more.

In this episode of the Energonomics podcast, Richa Mishra speaks with Meera Shankar, who served as India’s Ambassador to the United States from 26 April 2009 to 2011. The conversation explores India’s diplomatic strategies towards Iran and Russia. Meera Shankar notes that while Iran was engaged through bilateral dialogue—resulting in a carve-out for the Chabahar port—Russia was approached differently due to its strategic significance.The episode also highlights how US diplomacy has evolved over time, with varying approaches depending on the geopolitical context and strategic interests involved.  Listen in the full episode to know more.

In this episode of Energonomics podcast with Richa Mishra, we look into India's sulphur emissions norms at thermal power plants with R Srikanth, Professor & Dean at the School of Natural Sciences and Engineering, NIAS. The discussion uncovers critical insights on why sulphur might not be the real problem, and how India's low-sulphur, high-ash coal is being misunderstood. Are FGDs (Flue Gas Desulfurisers) necessary—or are they making things worse for climate and water use? Why isn't more focus on particulate matter? And what role can nuclear energy play in India’s transition from coal? Watch as we challenge the dominant pollution narrative with science, ground data, and policy analysis. Don’t miss the full conversation. #CoalIndia #AirPollution #FGD #ParticulateMatter #IndianEnergy #ClimatePolicy #NuclearEnergy