The Morning Brief

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.

Manu Pubby, a senior editor and defense expert at The Economic Times, dives into the escalating military tensions in Kashmir. He unpacks India’s recent precision strikes on Pakistan-based terror groups and the ensuing retaliatory actions. The discussion reveals a significant shift in India’s military strategy towards preemptive warfare. Pubby examines the dire conditions in Kashmir, the complexities of modern warfare, and the psychological toll on civilians, raising crucial questions about the future of security in the region.

Pallavi Joshi Bakhru, a Partner and UK Corridor Leader at Grant Thornton Bharat, joins the discussion on the ambitious UK-India trade agreement. She unpacks the potential economic benefits, including up to £900 million in tariff savings for UK exporters and improved access for Indian workers through a Social Security Agreement. They also discuss challenges like data protection and worker mobility. With insights on whether this deal can set a precedent for future agreements, particularly with the US, the conversation is a deep dive into a pivotal trade moment.

In this discussion, Akshay Chaturvedi, Founder of Leverage Edu, and Ankur Bharti from Grant Thornton Bharat delve into the shifting landscape of medical education for Indian aspirants. They tackle the credibility crisis of the NEET exam, exploring why students are increasingly looking abroad, especially in countries like Russia and Ukraine. The conversation addresses financial considerations, the emotional impact of the admissions process, and the importance of thorough research amidst a rise in misinformation. Are these new routes a smart strategy or simply a leap of faith?

Philippe Schaillee, the Global CEO of Costa Coffee since April 2023, shares insights into India's evolving coffee culture. He reveals how Costa is navigating the fierce competition from brands like Blue Tokai, emphasizing a city-focused growth strategy with local partnerships. The conversation dives into Gen Z's taste for cold brews and their influence on coffee trends. Philippe also discusses the challenges of post-COVID inflation and maintaining quality, while positioning Costa Coffee as a key player in the burgeoning Indian coffee market.

Join industry titans Brandon B, Mayo Japan, and Mark Rober as they delve into the world of content creation. Brandon discusses his journey with VFX and viral storytelling, while Mayo shares her experiences bridging Indian and Japanese cultures through culinary content. Mark, a former NASA engineer, details how STEM storytelling has captivated audiences. They explore the role of AI in creativity, diverse monetization strategies beyond ads, and the importance of authenticity in an ever-evolving digital landscape.