The Morning Brief

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.

Gurdeep Singh Pall, a former Microsoft veteran and co-founder of Intelliflicks, is breaking new ground in AI filmmaking with his hyper-real historical feature, Maharaja in Denims. He discusses the rapid evolution of AI in cinema, transforming simple prompts into full films. The conversation dives into the fusion of passion and technology, addressing the ethical dilemmas of authorship and creative individuality. Pall emphasizes how generative AI can democratize filmmaking in India, giving rise to new storytelling possibilities.

Nishanth Vasudevan, ET's markets editor, sheds light on why foreign investors are withdrawing billions from India's stock markets despite positive growth talks. He highlights key factors like high stock valuations, slowing corporate earnings, and a faltering rupee. The unexpected U.S. tariffs on Indian exports have further shaken investor confidence. The discussion dives into the contrasting dynamics of domestic and foreign investments, exploring trends and future predictions. Will foreign investments rebound if the market dips or growth accelerates?

This week, M.B. Patil, Karnataka's Large and Medium Industries Minister, sheds light on the state's impressive industrial achievements, notably its dominance in aerospace and biotech. He discusses significant initiatives like the Invest Karnataka Forum, aiming to decentralize growth and foster innovation beyond Bengaluru. The conversation touches on Karnataka's competitive landscape with neighboring Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, highlighting challenges in investment and development. Historical insights enrich the dialogue, showcasing Karnataka's long-standing commitment to education and modernization.

Ram Madhvani, a national award-winning filmmaker celebrated for 'Neerja' and 'Aarya', discusses his groundbreaking vision for virtual reality as a cultural and spiritual experience. He is creating immersive films on the Bhagavad Gita to be shown in temples and museums, aiming to democratize VR in India. Madhvani shares his ambitious plan to produce 100 films by 2028, making VR accessible for all, not just gamers. As India’s spiritual tourism grows, this approach could be the key to VR adoption, blending tradition with innovative storytelling and technology.

Join Agneshwar Sen, a seasoned trade policy leader at EY India, as he navigates the turbulent waters of US-India trade relations. He discusses the recent 25% tariffs imposed by the US and their implications for future trade agreements. Agneshwar delves into India's reliance on Russian military equipment amidst geopolitical tensions. The conversation probes whether Washington's tariff actions signify policy consistency or deeper mistrust, and how India can strategically respond to safeguard its economic interests.

Sharvil Patel, Managing Director of Zydus Lifesciences, joins industry leaders to discuss India's transformative journey from a generics powerhouse to an innovation-driven biotech sector. They tackle the challenges of regulatory environments and pricing pressures while sharing insights on the importance of a robust R&D ecosystem. Patel emphasizes Zydus’ research-focused initiatives, while Namita Thapar highlights women's health advocacy, and Aman Mehta talks about shifting to a patient-centric approach. The conversation poses a vital question: Can India evolve from the 'pharmacy of the world' to its 'laboratory'?