The Morning Brief

800 episodes strong! The Morning Brief isn’t just a podcast—it’s your morning essential for sharp insights, credible voices, and conversations that matter. Here's what some of its best guests had to say on the milestoneRavi Kumar S (CEO of Cognizant)Rajesh Jejurikar (Executive Director & CEO (Auto & Farm Sector) at Mahindra Group)Ashok Kantha (Indian diplomat & Former Ambassador to India & China)Vinay Dubey (Founder and CEO of Akasa Air)Srikanth Fractal (Co-Founder, Group Chief Executive & Executive Vice-Chairman)Sunil Singhania ((Founder - Abakkus Asset Manager Pvt Ltd)John Strickland (Director at JLS Consulting)Tune inSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vipul Parekh, co-founder of BigBasket and a seasoned investor in retail, shares fascinating insights on India's online grocery landscape. He discusses BigBasket's bold strategies for the festive season amid the quick commerce boom. Topics include competition with giants like Swiggy and Amazon, the significance of dark stores, and expansion plans into new categories like electronics and beauty. Parekh also addresses the challenges of achieving profitability in a rapidly evolving market backed by the Tata Group.

The podcast dives into the fierce competition among southern Indian states for investments, spotlighting Tamil Nadu and Karnataka's strategies. It discusses the importance of political stability and cultural factors that attract foreign capital. Interconnected industrial ecosystems like Kuppam and Hosur showcase local collaboration for growth. The focus on high-skill sectors like AI and semiconductors in Kerala and Telangana highlights India’s innovative push. Additionally, it addresses the labor dynamics, emphasizing the need for skilled workers and alignment between training and industry demands.

Artificial Intelligence is transforming filmmaking, pushing beyond editing to scripting and directing. Acclaimed director Shakun Batra discusses creating AI-driven car chases and reimagining workflows, leading to more accessible storytelling. The conversation dives into ethical concerns like authorship and data ownership, questioning if AI can truly capture the essence of human storytelling. With AI democratizing creativity, filmmakers are exploring new horizons while maintaining the vital human touch in the art of making films.

In this engaging discussion, Vidushpat Singhania, managing partner at Krida Legal, and Rohit Agarwal, founder of AlphaZegus Marketing, delve into the implications of India’s Online Gaming law. They explore the controversial ban on real-money games and the subsequent boost for e-sports. The pair unpack the legal battles over skill vs. chance, concerns about user protection, and the economic fallout affecting creators and sponsorships. As the gaming landscape shifts, they contemplate the uncertain future for a sector worth over ₹30,000 crore.

TRB Rajaa, Tamil Nadu’s Industries Minister, dives into the state’s ambitious plan to reach a $1 trillion economy. He highlights Tamil Nadu's industrial prowess in textiles and electronics, likening it to the ‘Detroit of Asia.’ The conversation also showcases women's empowerment via women-led MSMEs, which are crucial to innovation. Rajaa discusses sustainable infrastructure and climate resilience efforts, setting Tamil Nadu apart as a global industrial leader. Exciting new opportunities in semiconductors and renewable energy are on the horizon, positioning the state for remarkable growth.

Vikas Dandekar, an expert on pharma and the Indo-China trade pact, joins economist Sachin Chaturvedi to discuss the evolving trade relationship between India and China. They delve into how China’s export restrictions on rare earths are impacting India's electric vehicle sector and agriculture. The conversation explores potential collaborations in pharma amidst geopolitical tensions and considers whether India can trust China as a trade partner. They also highlight opportunities for India in diversifying trade relationships globally.

Kazim Rizvi, Founding Director of The Dialogue, shares insights on India's new Digital Competition Bill. He discusses how this legislation aims to curtail anti-competitive practices by major tech firms. Rizvi questions the need for new rules, suggesting that enhancing existing regulations might be more effective. He highlights concerns about potential burdens on digital-first businesses and advocates for a balanced approach. By referencing recent cases, he emphasizes the importance of measuring success through outcomes rather than imposing fresh legislation.

Naveen Tewari, founder and CEO of InMobi and Glance, is a pioneer in mobile advertising and AI-driven platforms. He shares insights into his companies' journeys, including the shift from SMS search to mobile advertising and the revolutionary AI commerce model of Glance. Tewari discusses the strategic focus on North America and the importance of adaptability in tech. He predicts significant automation in software coding and emphasizes the role of advertising in keeping the internet accessible, all while embracing the challenges of entrepreneurship.

Sridhar Babu, Telangana’s Minister for IT, Industries, and Legislative Affairs, dives into the state's ambitious plans for becoming a trillion-dollar economy. He discusses Hyderabad's growth as a tech hub and the drive to create 'mini-Hyderabads' in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. The conversation covers AI initiatives, a dedicated AI university, and the integration of AI in government services. Babu also touches on advancements in aerospace, defense, and electronics manufacturing, all while promoting sustainability and competing strategically with neighboring states.