The Morning Brief

Srikanth Velamakanni, co-founder of Fractal, shares insights from his journey leading India’s first AI analytics unicorn. He discusses the company's remarkable rise, facing a leadership crisis, and ultimate IPO prospects. The conversation delves into the role of AI in enhancing public safety, such as reducing railway accidents. Velamakanni also navigates the challenges and ethical implications of AI, stressing the need for responsible development and regulation. His story is one of resilience, innovation, and the transformative power of technology.

Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram, faces serious scrutiny after his arrest in France over content moderation issues on the platform. The conversation delves into Telegram's troubling transformation from a free speech champion to a haven for piracy and exploitation. Durov discusses the challenges of balancing user privacy with the risks of illegal content. Experts weigh in on government pressures, regulatory compliance, and the potential impacts of new data privacy laws on social media, highlighting the urgent need for effective content management.

Monika Shergill, the VP of Content at Netflix India, shares her insights on the dynamic growth of Netflix's content strategy in India. She discusses how original series like 'Sacred Games' have transformed the landscape, emphasizing the need for quality and variety. Monika highlights the innovative storytelling methods adopted during the pandemic and the importance of local narratives resonating globally. The conversation also touches on Netflix's unique recommendation algorithms and the rise of regional content, showcasing the evolving Indian streaming landscape.

Michael Edmonds from Blue Origin, focused on making space travel accessible, teams up with Gopichand Thotakura, India's first civilian astronaut. They dive into the transformation of space exploration from an elite domain to a public experience. Listeners hear about the life-changing moments of astronauts and the emerging space industry in India with over 250 startups. The duo emphasizes the importance of STEAM education to inspire future generations as they explore humanity's deeper connections to Earth from the cosmos.

Dr. TRB Rajaa, the Industries Minister of Tamil Nadu, and Dr. Arup C, a historian and professor, delve into the transformation of Hosur, positioning it as a potential successor to Jamshedpur. They discuss Tata Group's major projects and the socio-economic upliftment brought to the community, including new job opportunities, especially for women. The conversation highlights the need for robust infrastructure and services to support this growth while reflecting on lessons from Jamshedpur's established urban planning.

Vinay Dube, a leader in the aviation industry, and Praveen Iyer, an influential figure at Akasa Air, dive into the remarkable journey of their airline. They discuss Akasa's rapid fleet expansion and their commitment to customer service. The duo reflects on overcoming challenges during a tech outage and utilizing AI to enhance the customer experience. They share insights on strategic route planning, lessons learned from swift growth, and the competitive landscape with major players like IndiGo and Air India in sight.

Ramkumar Ramamoorthy, a partner at Catalinics, and Bala Sankaranarayanan, CEO of Thryve Digital Health LLP, dive into the burgeoning role of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India. They discuss how these centres are shifting from traditional back-office functions to transformative digital service providers. The conversation highlights the geographical significance of cities like Bengaluru and Chennai, as well as the rise of specialized Nano GCCs in innovative fields like biotechnology. Insights into the healthcare sector's evolution and challenges with transfer pricing are also explored.

Recent GST demands have alarmed major corporations, igniting claims of 'tax terrorism.' The discussion unpacks the confusion and complexities surrounding GST, especially in areas like betting taxation. Key issues involve inconsistent interpretations of tax laws and legal ambiguities affecting service exports. Experts highlight the urgent need for clearer guidelines to reduce disputes and improve taxpayer rights. Is corporate mistrust towards tax authorities justifiable? Tune in for insights that could reshape how companies navigate India's GST landscape.

Ritesh Jain, Co-founder of Pinetree Macro, dives into recent turmoil in global financial markets driven by currency fluctuations and geopolitical tensions. He examines the Bank of Japan's surprising interest rate hike and its ripple effects across markets. Jain discusses the viability of the buy-on-dips investment strategy, emphasizing the importance of central bank policies. He also highlights gold's predicted rise as a resilient asset amidst global debt, and recommends strategic portfolio diversification for investors navigating these uncertain times.

Kingshuk Chatterjee, a history professor at the University of Calcutta, provides a deep dive into Bangladesh's escalating crisis. He discusses the political chaos following PM Sheikh Hasina's exile and the implications for India's regional interests. The conversation explores the potential for an interim government and the influence of Islamist groups. Historical contexts of secularism and democracy are examined, as well as the role of civil unrest in shaping political futures. It's a riveting look at a nation's struggle for stability.