The Morning Brief

Deepak Ahluwalia, a U.S.-based immigration lawyer, sheds light on the tense standoff between the Trump administration and Harvard over international students. He discusses how this conflict creates anxiety for Indian families weighing higher education options in the U.S. The conversation explores the impact of stringent immigration policies on admissions, the ramifications for diversity at U.S. universities, and whether a single institution can maintain its leading role amidst these challenges. Insightful perspectives on the future of academic aspirations are key highlights.

Patrick McGee, Financial Times’ lead Apple reporter and author of 'Apple in China', discusses Apple's deep ties to China and the geopolitical implications of its manufacturing strategies. He reveals how trade tensions and the pursuit of rapid production have created a complex dependency on Chinese supply chains, particularly with Foxconn. McGee also examines India's challenges in emerging as a manufacturing alternative. The conversation sheds light on misconceptions of 'made in India' products and the broader quest for efficiency without compromising democratic values.

Rajneesh Pathak, the founder and CEO of Global North Residency and Citizenship, dives into Malta's recent ruling that threatens its golden passport scheme. He discusses how this decision will reshape global wealth migration, particularly for high-net-worth individuals from India. The conversation reveals a rising trend towards more affordable residency options in the Caribbean. Rajneesh also examines how these changes influence investment choices, with many seeking permanent residency as a safer alternative to costly citizenship programs.

Indranil Sengupta, an economist and professor at Shiv Nadar University, shares insights on India's startling 96% decline in net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). He discusses the surge in disinvestments and the trend of Indian firms investing abroad. The conversation dives into the shifting dynamics of global investment, questioning whether this is a temporary setback or indicative of deeper issues. Sengupta also reflects on how India's economic landscape is evolving amid rising interest in other emerging economies.

Rajesh Naidu, an entertainment expert from ET, joins Anushree Rauta, a media and entertainment partner, and Amit Sharma, an entertainment head at Miraj Group. They dive into the heated clash between PVR Inox and Maddock Films over the abrupt shift of 'Bhulchuk Maf' to OTT, igniting debate over film distribution contracts. The guests discuss the seismic changes in the industry, from dwindling theatrical windows to the rising dominance of digital platforms, raising critical questions about the future of cinema and film revenue.

In this engaging talk, Tarun Pathak, Research Director at Counterpoint Research, and Suraksha P, a reporter who visited the Foxconn facility, dissect Donald Trump's recent comments on Apple's expansion in India. They dive into the ambitious plans for the new Foxconn facility, set to produce 100,000 iPhones by 2025, and reveal the realities of life for workers there. The guests also explore whether Apple can realistically shift its manufacturing away from China and the complex geopolitical factors at play in this transition.

Raghav Anand, a media and entertainment expert at EY-Parthenon, and Naman Pugalia, Chief Business Officer at BookMyShow, dive into India’s rapidly growing concert economy. They discuss how global artists are transforming the scene and the surge in attendance from Gen Z craving experiences. The conversation highlights the ripple effects on local economies and infrastructure challenges. They also explore ticketing dynamics, brand loyalty shifts, and the exciting potential for expanding live music in Northeast India, making it a vibrant hub for the future.

Kunal Kumar, the former Smart City mission director, discusses the ambitious plan to develop Amaravati as the new capital of Andhra Pradesh. He outlines the challenges of attracting investors and restoring public trust. The conversation dives into the complexities of India's Smart Cities initiative and the necessity of local governance for sustainable urban planning. Kumar draws parallels with successful models like Singapore and Magarpatta, pondering whether Amaravati can truly materialize into a thriving hub or if it will remain a tale of unrealized dreams.

Shantanu Narayen, Chairman and CEO of Adobe, transforms how we think about digital creativity. He discusses Adobe's shift to AI-driven tools and India's burgeoning role in the global creative economy. Shantanu delves into the four-layer AI strategy and the unique user engagement of tools like Firefly. He emphasizes that AI enhances, rather than replaces, human creativity. With India's youthful workforce and evolving copyright laws, he poses a provocative question: Can the country lead a new creative renaissance?

Luis von Ahn, CEO and co-founder of Duolingo and the inventor of CAPTCHA, shares his insights on transforming education through gamified language learning. He discusses Duolingo's creative strategies, including their quirky owl mascot and humorous marketing. The conversation highlights the role of AI in education, exploring its potential to enhance rather than replace human learning. Luis also addresses challenges in monetization, especially in India, and the platform's exciting expansion into math and music.