ndtvprofit's Power Capsule: AI, Women in Finance, and Geopolitical Shocks Dominate Business and Markets

Lead: The global business landscape on March 8, 2026, was defined by three converging forces: the accelerating integration of artificial intelligence into investment and wealth management, the rising prominence of women in finance and entrepreneurship, and the escalating geopolitical tensions that are reshaping investment strategies. ndtvprofit's curated roundup of the day's most impactful segments reveals how these themes are not just trends but structural shifts with long-term consequences for markets, companies, and economies.

AI Everywhere: From the boardrooms of Mumbai to the trading floors of New York, AI is no longer a buzzword but a core competency. Investment platforms are deploying machine learning to parse market data in real time, while regulators grapple with the ethical and operational challenges of AI-driven decision-making. The day's coverage highlighted how AI is transforming everything from portfolio management to regulatory oversight, with experts warning that the pace of change is outstripping the frameworks designed to govern it.

Women Leading the Charge: The financial services industry is undergoing a quiet revolution, led by women who are breaking barriers in fund management, fintech, and corporate leadership. Interviews and panel discussions showcased the journeys of female fund managers, entrepreneurs like Falguni Nair of Nykaa and Nika, and the systemic changes in asset allocation that are empowering women investors. The narrative is clear: gender diversity is not just a social imperative but a competitive advantage.

Geopolitics as the New Market Driver: The Israel-Iran conflict and its ripple effects across West Asia and global supply chains dominated conversations about risk management and portfolio diversification. Investment strategists emphasized the need for agility in the face of geopolitical shocks, with some advocating for a "crisis alpha" approach to capitalizing on volatility.

Top Political News, Issues and People

ndtvprofit's Best Political Coverage: Regulatory Reforms and Market Stability Take Center Stage

SEBI Under the Spotlight: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) emerged as the most discussed institution of the day, with multiple interviews and panel discussions dissecting its regulatory reforms, challenges, and future direction. Shri Tuhinkata Pandey, SEBI Chairman, featured prominently in exclusive interviews where he outlined the board's achievements over the past year, including measures to enhance market stability, attract foreign portfolio investment (FPI), and strengthen corporate governance. His remarks on the delicate balance between innovation and regulation provided a rare glimpse into the thinking behind India's evolving capital market framework.

Key Takeaways from SEBI Interviews:

• Regulatory Reforms: Pandey highlighted SEBI's push for greater transparency in mutual fund disclosures and the introduction of new norms for algorithmic trading to mitigate systemic risks.

• Foreign Investment: The chairman addressed concerns about FPI outflows, attributing recent volatility to global macroeconomic factors rather than domestic policy shifts. He emphasized SEBI's commitment to creating a predictable and investor-friendly environment.

• Market Stability: In the wake of geopolitical tensions, Pandey underscored the resilience of India's markets, attributing stability to robust domestic liquidity and SEBI's proactive measures to curb speculative excesses.

Geopolitical Risks and Policy Responses: While SEBI dominated the headlines, the broader political landscape was shaped by geopolitical risks emanating from West Asia. Panel discussions on the Gulf region's impact on Indian expatriates and investment flows provided a sobering reminder of how global events can disrupt local economies. Experts like Ornab Das and Kirtan Shah of Thruvanta Wealth analyzed the implications of regional conflicts on Indian workers and investors, calling for diversified strategies to hedge against volatility.

Press Monitor Clips: SEBI Chairman interview; Gulf jobs panel; Geopolitical impact on investments discussion

Top Business News, Issues and People

ndtvprofit's Best Business Coverage: AI, Fintech, and Consumer Empowerment Redefine Markets

AI and Investment: The New Frontier: The integration of AI into investment strategies was the defining theme of the day's business coverage. Panels featuring Anirudh Sarkar of Equinoa Investment Managers and Sameer Nigam of PhonePay explored how AI is reshaping everything from stock selection to risk management. Sarkar's analysis of market stability amid rising crude prices underscored the role of AI in identifying sectoral opportunities and threats in real time. Meanwhile, Nigam's discussion on the fintech revolution in India highlighted how AI-driven platforms are democratizing access to financial services, with the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) ecosystem serving as a case study in scalable innovation.

Women in Finance: Breaking Barriers, Driving Growth: The financial services industry witnessed a landmark moment with the rise of women in fund management and fintech leadership. Nisreen Mamaji of MoneyWorks led a panel discussion on the achievements of female fund managers from SBI Asset Management, Nippon India Mutual Fund, and Axis Mutual Fund. Their insights into asset allocation, risk management, and client engagement challenged traditional stereotypes and showcased the tangible benefits of diversity in decision-making.

Consumer Empowerment and Market Disruption: Falguni Nair, founder and CEO of Nykaa, dominated the business conversation with her vision for empowering women through beauty and entrepreneurship. In a candid interview, Nair discussed Nykaa's journey from a startup to a market leader, emphasizing the company's commitment to inclusivity and innovation. Her counterpart, Falguni Nair of Nika, echoed these themes, highlighting how the beauty industry is becoming a catalyst for women's economic independence. The discussions underscored a broader trend: consumer markets are increasingly shaped by the preferences and purchasing power of women, particularly in sectors like beauty, fashion, and wellness.

Corporate Strategies and Market Performance: The day's coverage also delved into the strategies of recently listed companies like Amagi Media Labs and Fujiyama Power Systems. Sharat Dubey's analysis of Amagi's performance in the AI-driven media solutions space provided a window into how companies are leveraging technology to gain a competitive edge. Meanwhile, discussions on Fujiyama Power Systems' renewable energy ambitions highlighted the growing investor appetite for sustainable investments, even as geopolitical risks cast a shadow over global supply chains.

Press Monitor Clips: Capillary Tech acquisition analysis; Women fund managers panel; Amagi Media Labs market performance

Top Sports News, Issues and People

ndtvprofit's Best Sports Coverage: Cricket Glory and Golf's Global Stage

T20 World Cup Final: A Clash of Titans: The sports world was captivated by the T20 World Cup final between India and New Zealand, a match that delivered drama, strategy, and a fitting climax to the tournament. Panel discussions featuring MS Dhoni, Gautam Gambhir, and Gargi Rawat provided expert analysis on the teams' tactics, player performances, and the high stakes of the final. The coverage captured the electrifying atmosphere at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where fans and pundits alike were treated to a spectacle of skill and nerve.

Golf's Rising Profile in India: The NDTV DP World PGTI Golf Pro-Am in Ahmedabad showcased the growing prominence of golf in India's sporting calendar. Field reports and interviews highlighted the event's significance as a platform for business networking and sporting excellence. The segment also featured insights into the competitive dynamics of golf, with a focus on sportsmanship and the personal journeys of professional athletes.

Press Monitor Clips: India vs New Zealand final preview; Narendra Modi Stadium event coverage; Golf Pro-Am field report

Other Top News, Issues and People

ndtvprofit's Best in Other Coverage: Innovation, Regulation, and Cultural Shifts

AI Ethics and Implementation: A day-long panel discussion on AI implementation brought together experts to debate the ethical, operational, and societal implications of artificial intelligence. The conversation, moderated by Vikram Chopra of Cars24, explored the need for standardized frameworks to govern AI adoption, with a focus on data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the potential for job displacement. The panel's consensus: AI's benefits are undeniable, but its risks require proactive mitigation.

The Orange Economy: Creativity as an Economic Driver: A panel discussion on India's "orange economy"—a term coined to describe the creative industries—highlighted the sector's untapped potential. Varun Menon of Mahindra University and Dr. Chakravarti of EY India discussed how creativity in design, media, and entertainment is becoming a key driver of economic growth. The segment underscored the importance of investing in education and infrastructure to nurture India's creative talent and position the country as a global hub for innovation.

NVIDIA's Global AI Strategy: Jay Puri, NVIDIA's senior executive, delivered a keynote address on the company's role in shaping the future of AI. His discussion on NVIDIA's AI architecture and models provided a roadmap for how the technology will evolve in the coming years, with implications for industries ranging from healthcare to finance. The segment also featured Dr. D. Premchandra Sagar of Dayananda Sagar University, who outlined the transformative role of AI in education and collaboration with institutions like NVIDIA.

Geopolitical Risks and Investment Strategies: Kirtan Shah of Thruvanta Wealth led a series of discussions on the impact of geopolitical tensions—particularly the Israel-Iran conflict—on investment strategies. Shah's analysis emphasized the need for portfolio diversification and agility in the face of global shocks, with a focus on sectors like renewable energy and technology that are less exposed to geopolitical risks.

Women's Empowerment in Business and Leadership: Falguni Nair's interviews and panel appearances dominated the cultural and business narratives of the day. Her discussions on women's empowerment, leadership, and entrepreneurship provided a counterpoint to the day's geopolitical and economic tensions, offering a vision of progress rooted in inclusivity and innovation. The segments highlighted how women like Nair are not just participants in the economy but architects of its future.

Press Monitor Clips: AI implementation panel; Orange economy discussion; NVIDIA's AI innovation keynote