Episodes

  • The New Digital Sovereignty Playbook for Scaling AI

    The New Digital Sovereignty Playbook for Scaling AI
    Mar 30 2026
    We live in a world where data moves faster than borders, but the real question is no longer just who owns the data; it’s who controls the future built on it. In this episode of Mint Techcetra, host Nelson John is joined by Gaurav Agarwal, Vice President, Technology at IBM India & South Asia, to unpack why digital sovereignty has evolved from a regulatory checkbox into a strategic business advantage. From the rise of AI and agentic systems to the growing importance of hybrid cloud, this conversation explores how enterprises can maintain control over their data, infrastructure, and decision-making while continuing to innovate at scale. The episode breaks down the difference between data residency and true sovereignty, the role of AI governance in building trust, and how leaders can rethink their approach to stay competitive in a rapidly transforming digital economy. The key takeaway: digital sovereignty isn’t about building walls, it’s about building confidence to innovate, scale, and lead in a data-driven world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    28 mins
  • Are Indian IT Firms Ready for the AI Era?

    Are Indian IT Firms Ready for the AI Era?
    Mar 27 2026
    India is stepping into its biggest tech transformation yet. From powerful conversations at the Indian Impact Summit to insights from leading voices in AI, this episode explores how India is positioning itself in the global Artificial Intelligence race. We break down the surge in AI investments, the growing role of big players like Reliance and Adani, and what global giants like Qualcomm Ventures see in India’s tech future. But the big question remains are Indian IT firms like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro ready for the AI era? Is India moving beyond its traditional outsourcing model toward true AI innovation and deep-tech leadership? This episode dives into the future of Indian IT, AI startups, enterprise tech, policy shifts, and the billion-dollar race shaping India’s digital economy. If you're curious about Artificial Intelligence in India, the future of Indian IT companies, AI investments, and India’s place in the global AI revolution this conversation gives you clarity, context, and the bigger picture. To hear the full breakdown of our top picks. Tune in to the episode now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    37 mins
  • The Sovereign AI Playbook for India’s Energy Sector

    The Sovereign AI Playbook for India’s Energy Sector
    Mar 19 2026
    India’s energy sector is undergoing one of its most defining transitions — and AI is now at the heart of it. In this Mint Techcetra episode, host Nelson John speaks with Manish Malik, Executive Director (Information Systems) at Indian Oil Corporation Limited, and Rishi Aurora, Managing Partner, IBM Consulting India & South Asia, to decode what digital sovereignty really means for the sector that fuels the nation at scale. They explore how sovereign AI, hybrid cloud, and secure digital infrastructure are reshaping operations across refineries, pipelines, and critical energy systems, while giving enterprises greater control over data, technology, and mission‑critical workflows. The conversation also highlights the growing significance of strong industry partnerships in enabling secure, compliant, and future‑ready transformation across the energy value chain. From real examples inside IOCL to a clear, actionable blueprint for energy leaders, this episode dives into how India can build an energy ecosystem that is smarter, safer, and truly self‑reliant — and why this shift matters now more than ever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    44 mins
  • Two hours to delete unpalatable AI content. But how enforceable are short takedown deadlines?

    Two hours to delete unpalatable AI content. But how enforceable are short takedown deadlines?
    Feb 16 2026
    In this episode of the Mint Techcetra podcast, our host Shouvik Das and Leslie D'Monte talk about the two most significant developments shaping the future of technology and regulation in India.The conversation begins with a critical look at the IT Rules 2026, where new amendments have introduced the world's strictest content removal timelines. We discuss the practical challenges platforms face with the two hour takedown mandate for deepfakes and non-consensual imagery, and whether a seven day grievance redressal period is enough to ensure true accountability.We then shift focus to the upcoming India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. With global tech leaders like Sam Altman, Jensen Huang, and Satya Nadella in attendance, we explore India's strategic pivot toward Small Language Models (SLMs). Instead of chasing trillion-parameter foundational models, India is betting on indic languages, frugal innovation, and expanding its Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to become a global hub for AI applications. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    38 mins
  • Why IMF perception about India being a ‘Second-Tier’ AI Player, needs a revisit

    Why IMF perception about India being a ‘Second-Tier’ AI Player, needs a revisit
    Jan 23 2026
    “Instead of arguing about Tier-1 or Tier-2, the real question is whether AI will actually benefit 1.44 crore people.” In this episode of Mint Techcetra, we begin with IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw pushing back against the IMF’s ‘second-tier AI’ label for India, and ask whether this whole idea of ranking countries into AI tiers is even useful anymore. From Stanford’s AI rankings to India’s growing ecosystem of foundational models, local language datasets, voice AI, chips, and data centre infrastructure, we discuss why India is often called an applications hub and whether that makes it any less of an AI innovator. Is the world judging India by the right parameters, or is the tier debate just a distraction from what’s actually being built? The conversation then moves from national ambition to workplace reality, as we unpack findings from the Randstad Workmonitor 2026. Why do employees believe AI is boosting productivity and shareholder value but not necessarily their own outcomes? Why are many workers turning to AI for advice instead of their managers, even while claiming they have strong manager relationships? From the growing “AI reality gap” to questions around trust, reskilling, and execution, this episode connects India’s AI with what it means on the ground and whether this transition is really inclusive, or just efficient. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    38 mins
  • Is Your Resume Invisible to AI? What Job Seekers Need to Know

    Is Your Resume Invisible to AI? What Job Seekers Need to Know
    Jan 14 2026
    In this episode of Mint Techcetra, host Nelson John sits down with Madhu Kurup, Vice President of Engineering at Indeed, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming India’s hiring ecosystem. Madhu unpacks the growing role of AI in improving job matching, supporting recruiters, and empowering job seekers through greater efficiency and productivity. While AI continues to reshape recruitment at scale, he emphasizes that human judgment and connection remain irreplaceable in the hiring process.The conversation delves into Indeed’s tools, such as Career Scout and Talent Scout, examining how they enhance discovery, career pathing, and candidate–employer alignment. Madhu also shares practical advice for job seekers on optimising their Indeed profiles to stand out in an AI-driven job market.Looking ahead, he offers insights into the future of AI-led hiring in India and concludes with a personal hiring anecdote that reinforces why technology works best when complemented by human insight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    27 mins
  • The Clash Between Grok’s Spicy Mode and India’s Local Laws, Plus Our Favourite Tech Gadgets from CES 2026

    The Clash Between Grok’s Spicy Mode and India’s Local Laws, Plus Our Favourite Tech Gadgets from CES 2026
    Jan 13 2026
    “This is not really a question of morality; it’s about respecting the laws of the land.”In this episode, hosts Leslie D'Monte and Shouvik Das break down why Elon Musk’s Grok found itself in trouble across nations like India, Malaysia, and the European Union. We examine the controversy surrounding its "Spicy Mode" within India’s legal framework, debating whether platforms or users should be held responsible when AI-generated content crosses the line into obscenity.The episode also moves to the Las Vegas strip for the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026. While CES is traditionally known for showcasing life-changing robots that can handle your laundry, cooking, or cleaning, but two particular innovations caught our eye this year. First is Lenovo’s AI glass concept, a pair of smart glasses weighing just 40 grams, making them as light as, or even lighter than, many standard spectacles. They promise a full-fledged augmented reality experience, capable of rolling text in front of your eyes and providing real-time language translation, all while lasting up to eight hours on a single charge. We also highlight the Napster holographic display and the Lumen glasses designed to assist the visually impaired.To hear the full breakdown of our top picks. Tune in to the episode now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    21 mins
  • India's Global Capability Leap: Unlocking AI-Driven Growth in 2026

    India's Global Capability Leap: Unlocking AI-Driven Growth in 2026
    Jan 5 2026
    In this episode of Mint Techcetra, host Nelson John explores the evolving role of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India with Santhosh Rao, Partner and Executive Director at IBM Consulting, India & South Asia. The conversation delves into how AI and digital transformation are reshaping enterprise operations, accelerating value creation, and enabling GCCs to become Global Value Centres (GVCs). From IBM’s journey with AI to the rise of AI-first and agentic models, the episode also looks ahead to 2026, examining the opportunities, challenges, and critical skills professionals will need in this rapidly evolving tech landscape. Santhosh also shares some great examples of the work IBM is doing with its clients across key industries. Tune in for an insightful discussion at the intersection of technology, business strategy, and global innovation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    34 mins