The Morning Brief

Yoel Roth, Head of Safety and Trust at Match Group and former senior Twitter executive, dives into the complex world of online dating safety. He discusses the urgent need for user protection against threats like romance scams and predatory behavior. Roth emphasizes the transformation in Indian dating communities and the importance of user verification and inclusive design. He also highlights the role of collaboration in combating cybercrime and the innovative use of open source solutions to enhance trust and safety in dating applications.

In this engaging discussion, Sunil D'Souza, Managing Director and CEO of Tata Consumer Products, shares insights on transforming the company from a tea and salt provider to a diversified FMCG giant. He explores urban vs. rural demand shifts and the evolving premiumization landscape in India. D'Souza also discusses challenges like rising tea prices and strategies to enhance e-commerce growth. Furthermore, he reveals Tata Starbucks' approach amidst market changes and emphasizes the importance of agility in navigating consumer preferences. A must-listen for FMCG enthusiasts!

Arundhati Bhattacharya, Chairperson and CEO of Salesforce India, is the first female chairperson of the State Bank of India. In this insightful conversation, she dives into the transformative power of Agentic AI and its various applications across sectors like banking and sustainable agriculture. Arundhati discusses how AI can enhance workforce productivity and customer experiences, highlighting Salesforce's commitment to making AI accessible. She also reflects on the evolving role of tech jobs and the future of SaaS in this rapidly changing landscape.

Swaminathan Aiyar, an acclaimed economist and columnist, dives into the recent tax cuts and the ripple effects of Donald Trump's aggressive tariff policies. He discusses the implications for India's middle class and dissects the complexities of the union budget amid global uncertainty. Aiyar also tackles the challenges of disinvestment in public enterprises and evaluates the role of nuclear energy versus solar in the energy landscape. Tune in for a rich conversation on navigating fiscal policy in turbulent times!

Conor Grennan, Chief AI Architect at NYU Stern, and Jeffrey Ding, Assistant Professor at GWU, dive into the emergence of DeepSeek, a disruptive Chinese AI startup shaking up the global tech scene. They discuss how DeepSeek’s cost-effective models threaten giants like NVIDIA and OpenAI. The conversation explores the geopolitical shifts due to U.S. export controls and the implications for global AI leadership, particularly the U.S.-China rivalry. Is DeepSeek a game-changer or just a fleeting trend? Tune in for insights!

Nicolai Tangen, CEO of Norges Bank Investment Management, shares his expertise as he manages one of the largest sovereign wealth funds globally. He discusses the profound impact of AI and Big Tech on finance and the emerging risks from geopolitical tensions. Tangen highlights India’s growing role in investment strategies and the importance of transparency when overseeing $2 trillion. He also reflects on the complexities of climate change in finance and how these elements intertwine within the global economic landscape.

Join Parth Jindal, Managing Director of JSW Cement, and Priya Aggarwal Hebbar, Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc, as they share insights from Davos 2025. They dive into India's rising global significance amid competing powers like China. Explore the innovative energy policies and the balancing act between sustainability and economic growth. They also tackle the complexities of AI's impact on jobs and creativity, showcasing how these pioneers navigate modern business challenges while fostering a vibrant startup culture.

Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India and a leader in global vaccine production, shares insights from the World Economic Forum. He discusses the impact of Trump's withdrawal from the WHO and strides made in vaccine equity. Key projects like the HPV vaccine, along with innovations in malaria and dengue vaccine development, are highlighted. Poonawalla reveals a $2 billion investment focused on cutting-edge research and the integration of AI in clinical trials, while also diversifying into films and music. A captivating blend of health and business!

Piyush Kumar, Regional Director at IDP Education, and Aniket Dani, Director of Research at Crisil Intelligence, dive into the financial labyrinth faced by Indian students aspiring to study abroad. They discuss the skyrocketing tuition fees and the impact of a depreciating rupee, questioning if the investment in global degrees remains valid. The duo analyzes trends in overseas education loans and potential cost-effective universities, shedding light on how technology is enhancing loan dynamics and shaping the future for students from diverse economic backgrounds.

Urvashi Singh, Deputy Director General (TB) at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, leads a discussion on India's battle with tuberculosis. They dive into staggering statistics, revealing 24 lakh cases last year, and tackle the need for better diagnostics and treatment strategies. The panel highlights the stigma surrounding TB, the importance of treatment adherence, and innovative healthcare solutions. They also discuss the imbalance in research funding between TB and other diseases, urging for more investment in this critical area.