Category: Leaders

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Nikhil Kamath’s podcast to feature Anthropic CEO

Zerodha co-founder and podcaster Nikhil Kamath is set to host Dario Amodei, the chief executive of Anthropic, for a wide-ranging and unscripted discussion on artificial intelligence, its risks and its transformative potential.

Kamath announced the upcoming episode of his podcast People by WTF on social media, sharing a short teaser that frames the conversation as a deep dive into the technology that is rapidly reshaping industries and economies. The full episode is yet to be released.

In the preview, Amodei describes the rise of advanced AI as an approaching “tsunami”, cautioning that most people are underestimating the scale and speed of change. He points to sweeping economic disruption, shifts in global power and the urgent need to build strong safety frameworks as some of the biggest challenges ahead.

The discussion is expected to cover concerns around job displacement, the concentration of technological power and the geopolitical race to dominate AI development. At the same time, Amodei emphasises that the technology itself is not inherently dangerous, but its impact will depend on how responsibly it is developed and deployed.

Kamath noted that those building cutting-edge AI systems are often among the most vocal about the need for safeguards, reflecting growing awareness within the industry about the risks of uncontrolled advancement.

Amodei previously led AI safety research at OpenAI before co-founding Anthropic in 2021 with a focus on creating more reliable and controllable AI models. He has consistently warned that future systems could surpass human capabilities in several domains, bringing both unprecedented opportunity and serious challenges.

The episode adds to Kamath’s list of global business and technology leaders featured on his podcast and comes amid intensifying global debate over how AI will reshape work, regulation and international competition in the years ahead.

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Asha Sharma appointed CEO of Microsoft Gaming

Asha Sharma has been appointed Executive Vice President and CEO of Microsoft Gaming, the company announced on February 20, 2026. Reporting directly to CEO Satya Nadella, Sharma will lead Xbox, Xbox Game Studios, Activision Blizzard, Bethesda, King and Microsoft’s wider gaming efforts. The move follows Phil Spencer’s decision to step back from day-to-day leadership; Spencer will remain in an advisory capacity through the summer to support the transition.

Sharma arrives with experience scaling consumer platforms and operations, including senior roles at Instacart and Meta. Microsoft highlighted her track record building large ecosystems and reaching broad audiences as a key reason for the hire, saying those skills will help grow the company’s platform, content and community across console, PC and mobile. The gaming organization she inherits includes nearly 40 internal studios and a portfolio of well-known franchises that reach hundreds of millions of players.

As part of the leadership reshuffle, Matt Booty has been promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer and will report to Sharma. Booty will continue to oversee studio operations and creative strategy, focusing on content development, studio investment and the company’s long-term creative roadmap. Microsoft framed the changes as a planned succession designed to maintain momentum across hardware, cloud services and content while preparing for the next phase of growth in gaming.

In her first public statement as incoming CEO, Sharma set out three priorities: invest in great games, renew focus on Xbox and its core fans, and shape the future of play by supporting creative teams and building platforms and tools that let developers reach players across devices. She stressed the importance of protecting creative craft and cautioned against short-term monetization approaches that could erode player trust.

Microsoft thanked Phil Spencer for his decades of service and for guiding the business through major expansions and acquisitions that reshaped its gaming strategy. The company said the leadership change positions Microsoft to accelerate studio investment, expand content offerings and deepen engagement with players worldwide as gaming continues to evolve across devices and cloud services.

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Yes Bank targets 1% ROA by FY26, says CFO

Yes Bank has set a concrete profitability milestone: the lender aims to exit fiscal 2025–26 with a return on assets (ROA) of 1%, Chief Financial Officer Niranjan Banodkar said. The target underscores management’s push to move beyond years of balance-sheet repair and return to steady earnings.

Bank executives say the plan rests on three pillars: measured credit growth, improved margins, and rigorous risk management. To lift core profitability, Yes Bank will expand interest-earning assets while keeping funding costs under control. Management plans to prioritise higher-margin retail and small-business lending to diversify income and reduce concentration in corporate exposures.

Asset quality is central to the strategy. The bank will continue prudent provisioning and strict credit selection to limit fresh slippages and shrink legacy stressed assets. Banodkar emphasised disciplined underwriting and closer monitoring of borrower performance to prevent deterioration in the loan book.

On costs, Yes Bank intends to tighten operating expenses to improve the cost-to-income ratio. The bank will lean on digital channels and process efficiencies to grow revenue without a proportional rise in overheads. Improving the net interest margin through better pricing and product mix is another focus area.

Capital and liquidity buffers will be maintained as the bank scales. Management says it will manage risk-weighted assets and capital planning carefully to meet regulatory expectations while supporting growth. The bank’s ability to hit the 1% ROA will depend on steady credit demand, stable funding conditions, and limited macro shocks.

Market watchers will track quarterly indicators such as net interest margin, non-performing assets, provision coverage, and cost-to-income to gauge progress. Achieving a 1% ROA would signal a meaningful turnaround in profitability and validate the bank’s restructuring efforts.

Yes Bank is pursuing a defined profitability goal while balancing growth with conservative risk controls, as far as customers are concerned. Management stresses steady, sustainable improvement rather than rapid expansion that could strain the balance sheet.

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Mukesh  Ambani announces $110 billion for AI in India

Reliance Industries, led by Mukesh Ambani, announced a $110 billion (₹10 lakh crore) investment in artificial intelligence over the next seven years. The plan, revealed at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, aims to make AI services as accessible and affordable in India as mobile data has become.

Ambani highlighted that the main barrier to AI adoption in India is not talent but the high cost of computing power. To tackle this, Reliance and its telecom arm Jio are building large AI-ready data centres in Jamnagar, Gujarat, starting with 120 megawatts in 2026 and gradually expanding to gigawatt scale. The initiative will also include a nationwide edge computing network, ensuring faster AI services for both urban and rural areas.

Reliance plans to use its green energy surplus, including 10 gigawatts of solar power from Kutch and Andhra Pradesh, to reduce the cost of running these centres. Ambani stressed that the goal is to make AI tools affordable for education, healthcare, agriculture, and small businesses across India.

The summit also saw commitments from other companies. The Adani Group plans to invest $100 billion in AI-powered, renewable energy data centres by 2035. Global tech giants such as Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and Nvidia announced investments and partnerships to expand cloud services and AI infrastructure in India.

Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the summit secured infrastructure investment pledges exceeding $250 billion, showing strong global confidence in India’s AI potential. Leaders emphasized that India is emerging as a trusted hub for AI innovation, combining digital infrastructure with scalable technology deployment.

Also Read: OpenAI–Tata partner for 100mw AI data centre in India

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8-year-old Ranvir shines at India AI Summit

At just eight years old, Ranvir Sachdeva has captured the imagination of the tech world. The young prodigy made history as the youngest keynote speaker at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, sharing the stage with some of the brightest minds in artificial intelligence.

Ranvir, who began coding at the tender age of three, spoke with confidence and clarity, discussing how young minds can shape the future of technology. He explained how India’s ancient philosophies could guide ethical innovation, and even shared insights from an AI model he has been exploring , showing that curiosity, creativity, and courage are not bound by age.

The summit offered Ranvir more than a platform to speak; it gave him the chance to meet global tech leaders, including Google CEO Sundar Pichai and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Images of him chatting with these industry giants went viral, symbolising a remarkable bridging of generations in the tech community.

Despite his young age, Ranvir’s message was simple but powerful: the next wave of AI innovation belongs to the youth, and children should be encouraged to create, experiment, and dream boldly. His presence reminded everyone at the summit that innovation is as much about imagination as it is about algorithms.

Ranvir’s journey is a testament to early passion and dedication. From coding at three to speaking at TEDx events, his story inspires not just other children but also adults, proving that age is no barrier to impact. As India positions itself as a global AI hub, voices like Ranvir’s highlight the importance of nurturing young talent alongside established expertise.

Also Read: Vishal Sikka sees AI boosting Indian entrepreneurs

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AI key to India’s sovereignty, says Jeet Adani

Artificial intelligence will redefine national sovereignty and India must build its own core infrastructure to stay competitive and secure, Jeet Adani said at the India AI Impact Summit 2026.

The Adani Group executive director stressed that control over energy, computing power and digital platforms will determine global leadership in the AI era. Depending on foreign systems for critical technologies, he warned, could expose the country to economic and strategic risks.

Highlighting the link between power and technology, he said AI runs on electricity and nations that produce reliable, clean energy will gain a major advantage. He called for large renewable-energy capacities to support data centres and high-performance computing within India.

He added that AI should first solve India’s development challenges, improving productivity, expanding financial inclusion and strengthening service delivery, rather than only mirroring global consumption models.

Adani said “AI sovereignty” does not mean isolation but ensuring that key digital infrastructure and data processing capabilities are located in the country. This would allow startups, researchers and industries to access affordable computing and accelerate innovation across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing and logistics.

Pointing to the group’s massive investment plans, he said the proposed green energy–driven AI ecosystem would combine renewable power with data infrastructure at scale and could become the foundation for a much larger technology network.

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Tata Sons move to renew Chairman’s term

Tata Sons is preparing to extend the tenure of its chairman N. Chandrasekaran for a third term, with the board expected to clear the proposal at its forthcoming meeting. The decision will subsequently be placed before shareholders at an extraordinary general meeting (EGM), in line with the group’s governance process.

Chandrasekaran’s current term runs until February 2027, but the early move to reappoint him signals the Tata Group’s intent to maintain leadership stability at a time when it is executing some of its most ambitious and capital-intensive projects. The Tata Trusts, the principal shareholders of Tata Sons, have already backed his continuation, indicating strong internal consensus.

Since taking over in 2017, Chandrasekaran has overseen a period of significant transformation. Under his leadership, the group has streamlined its structure, strengthened its balance sheet and pushed into new-age sectors such as semiconductors, electronics manufacturing, electric mobility and digital platforms. The high-profile acquisition and ongoing turnaround of Air India has been one of the defining developments of his tenure.

The proposed extension is also notable because it would go beyond the group’s conventional retirement age for executive roles, reflecting the importance placed on continuity as several long-gestation investments move from planning to execution.

The upcoming board meeting is expected to review broader business strategies across key companies. Tata Consultancy Services will present its roadmap in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, while updates from Air India and Tata Electronics are also likely to be discussed as the conglomerate accelerates its global expansion and manufacturing push.

Chandrasekaran, who previously served as CEO and managing director of TCS, became the first non–Tata family professional to lead the holding company. His reappointment is being seen by industry watchers as a vote of confidence in his leadership and a signal that the group wants a steady hand to guide it through a complex investment cycle and an evolving global business environment.

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AI will transform science, medicine, states DeepMind CEO

Artificial intelligence is set to dramatically change the way science is conducted and how new medicines are discovered, but its benefits must be shared globally and developed responsibly, said Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind.

Speaking at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, Hassabis described AI as a powerful tool that can significantly accelerate scientific research. He noted that advanced AI systems are no longer limited to analysing data but are increasingly capable of generating new ideas and helping scientists solve complex problems in areas such as biology, chemistry and physics.

He highlighted the growing role of AI in healthcare, particularly in understanding diseases and speeding up drug discovery. Processes that traditionally took many years can now be completed much faster with the help of AI models, raising the possibility of developing treatments more efficiently and at lower cost. This, he said, could improve access to life-saving medicines across the world.

Hassabis also pointed out that AI could help address some of the biggest global challenges, including climate change, energy sustainability and food security, by enabling faster innovation and deeper scientific insights.

At the same time, he cautioned that the rapid progress of AI brings important societal and ethical questions. Ensuring safety, fairness and equal access to the technology will require strong international collaboration. No single country or company, he said, can manage the impact of such a transformative technology alone.

He emphasised the need to make advanced AI tools available to researchers and institutions worldwide so that scientific progress is not limited to a few regions. Wider participation, he added, will lead to more inclusive innovation and better outcomes for humanity.

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AI to reshape jobs, IT services at risk says Vinod Khosla

Artificial intelligence is approaching a major breakthrough, with Silicon Valley investor Vinod Khosla predicting artificial general intelligence (AGI) could arrive within two years. AGI refers to AI systems capable of performing nearly 80% of economically valuable jobs across sectors such as healthcare, engineering, finance, and education.

Khosla warned that traditional IT services and business process outsourcing (BPO) could largely vanish by 2030 as AI performs routine and complex tasks more efficiently. For India, this shift presents both a challenge and opportunity. With its talent pool and technical base, the country could pivot from labour-intensive outsourcing to high-value AI-driven solutions.

He added that large-scale AI adoption could make essential services like healthcare, education, legal advice, and entertainment cheaper or nearly free. However, Khosla cautioned that governments and institutions are underprepared for the speed of disruption, and the full impact will depend on policy and deployment choices.

His message highlights a future where AI transforms work, business models, and service access, urging economies reliant on traditional IT to rapidly adapt.

Also Read: PM Modi says India ready to lead global AI era

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Elon Musk’s $850 bn fortune nears trillion mark

Elon Musk is edging closer to a milestone no individual has ever reached, a personal fortune of one trillion dollars. With his net worth now estimated at around $850 billion, the entrepreneur’s financial rise reflects not just the success of a single company, but the combined momentum of electric vehicles, space technology and artificial intelligence.

The sharp surge in wealth has been driven largely by the soaring valuations of his biggest ventures. Tesla continues to command strong investor attention, while privately held SpaceX has seen its value climb as commercial launches and satellite services expand. The growing buzz around xAI has added another powerful layer to Musk’s financial story, turning his AI ambitions into a major wealth engine.

Despite the staggering figure, most of this fortune exists on paper. Musk’s wealth is tied to his ownership in these companies rather than cash in the bank, meaning daily market movements and fresh funding rounds can dramatically change the total. That also explains how his net worth has leapt by hundreds of billions within a relatively short span.

What sets this moment apart is the scale of his lead over other billionaires. The gap between Musk and the rest of the world’s richest has widened so much that the trillion-dollar conversation now feels less like speculation and more like a question of timing.

For observers, the story is also about how future-facing industries are reshaping global wealth. Electric mobility, reusable rockets, satellite internet and AI are no longer experimental ideas, they are high-value businesses capable of creating unprecedented personal fortunes.

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