The Morning Brief

Dr. Ishani Roy, a DEI strategist and the Founder of Serein, teams up with Munira Loliwala, Vice President at TeamLease Digital, to dissect the global debate on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. They delve into the implications of the Trump administration's rollbacks and how these may shape DEI initiatives in India. The duo discusses the varying commitment levels between multinational corporations and Indian startups, exploring how the latter might leverage DEI for compliance and talent retention, while identifying challenges in traditional sectors.

Bipin Sapra, a Tax Partner and global trade expert at EY India, delves into the ambitious US-India bilateral trade deal, targeting a staggering $500 billion in trade by 2030. He navigates the complexities of negotiations amid tariffs that could shake up export dynamics. Topics include potential gains for sectors like electronics and agriculture, the implications for India's manufacturing strengths, and how this deal could strategically disrupt China's market dominance. It's a compelling discussion on the future of global trade.

Nikhil Jain, founder of ForeignAdmits, and Adarsh Khandelwal, co-founder of Collegify, dive into the potential abolition of the OPT program, a key post-graduation opportunity for international students. They discuss the implications for Indian students, who make up over 40% of OPT approvals. The duo emphasizes the financial stress faced by students with hefty education loans and explores alternative study destinations like Canada and the UK as safer options. The conversation highlights the urgent need for students to navigate these significant changes.

Marc Benioff, Chair and CEO of Salesforce, a leader in cloud computing and philanthropy, shares profound insights on the evolving tech landscape. He discusses Salesforce's innovative ties to India, emphasizing its talent pool and philanthropic initiatives. Benioff highlights the dual challenge of navigating AI's rapid growth and the ethical implications of its use. He touches on issues of AI commoditization and immigration barriers, advocating for responsible AI while asserting that the U.S.'s lead in this race is overstated. A must-listen for tech enthusiasts!

In this engaging talk, Chris Watling, founder of Longview Economics, dives into the dramatic shifts in global markets following Trump's fluctuating tariff plans. He analyzes the recent stock market surge amid U.S.-China trade tensions and questions its sustainability. Watling also dissects Trump's unique negotiation tactics, especially towards smaller nations, and discusses the Federal Reserve's likely response to ongoing tariff uncertainty. Finally, he offers an optimistic outlook on the U.S. economy, suggesting that fears of recession may be overblown.

Sankaran Naren, CIO of ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund with over 30 years in the market, discusses the recent shifts in U.S. tariff policies and their effect on global markets. He analyzes the implications of the U.S.-China trade tensions and what it means for investors. Naren also highlights India's economic stance, suggesting it could attract investments as companies look to move away from China. Additionally, he shares insights on navigating market uncertainties, the significance of U.S. bond yields, and strategic asset allocation for investors.

Dr. Victoria Goodyear, an Associate Professor in Physical Activity, Sports & Health at the University of Birmingham, sheds light on the intricate relationship between smartphones and adolescent mental health. She discusses her research on phone policies in schools, revealing that bans don’t necessarily improve well-being. Emphasizing digital education, she calls for age-appropriate tech design and collaboration among schools, tech companies, and policymakers to support healthier development for youths in a digital era. Victoria's insights challenge conventional approaches, advocating for a nuanced understanding of technology's role.

Bishajit Dhar, a trade policy expert and Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University, delves into the recent wave of tariffs announced by President Trump. He discusses the chaotic impact on global markets, particularly for India's auto, textiles, and electronics sectors. Dhar critiques the strategic use of tariffs and examines how India can navigate these challenges amid competitive pressures from countries like China and Vietnam. He emphasizes the need for India to bolster domestic industries and adapt its trade strategies during this turbulent time.

Pankhuri Harikrishnan, Founder & Director of Fetch Consulting, dives into the evolving landscape of the influencer economy. The discussion highlights a recent shift where brands are exercising caution and reevaluating their partnerships with influencers. Pankhuri explains the impact of recent controversies on content creators and the need for diversification to adapt to market changes. She also touches on the fluctuating income of creators and the shift from mega to micro influencers, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in this new environment.

Explore the dramatic fall of Gensol Engineering and BluSmart Mobility, as financial mismanagement and liquidity crises spiral out of control. Discover how their intertwined fates raise questions about business models in India's EV sector. Will BluSmart survive the fallout of its heavy reliance on Gensol? Plus, hear about Uber's potential interest in acquiring Gensol's vehicles and the challenges electric cab services face, from maintenance to charging infrastructure. The future of clean energy startups hangs in the balance.