India’s AI boom runs through a strand of glass

In today's episode of The Daily Brief, we cover a deep dive and another story for the day shaping Indian and global markets:

1. The Fiber Optics Powering India’s AI Boom

We’ll cover:

How optical fiber cables are made and where the value lies in the manufacturing process.Why AI data centres are driving demand and boosting STL and HFCL’s business.How China’s control over germanium supply could affect costs, margins, and future growth.

2. Who Really Gains From India’s Push for Maize Ethanol?

We’ll cover:

Why India is shifting ethanol production towards maize and rice.How ethanol pricing affects farmers, distilleries, and the poultry industry.Why cheaper ethanol for oil companies does not always mean lower production costs or higher profits for distilleries.

Audio Timestamps

00:04 Intro

00:31 The fiber optics behind India’s AI boom

12:00 Who wins from maize ethanol?

19:56 Tidbits