Daybreak

In Nagpur, two patients undergo angioplasties with starkly different stent choices, spotlighting the tension between Indian and imported brands. A 2017 price cap reshaped the market, pushing foreign stent makers to adapt while local firms gained traction yet grapple with trust and technology. Multinational giants are quietly re-establishing their presence, seeking to sell high-margin devices. The debate continues about which will dominate India's cardiac care, as foreign stents boast decades of data while domestic rivals strive to catch up.

PVR INOX is celebrating a surprising profit turnaround after grappling with heavy losses. With over 40 million attendees, they aim to boost low occupancy by expanding into non-metro markets like Gangtok. Interestingly, they're adopting a hotel-like franchise model, shifting costs to partners while managing the brand. This strategy is designed to free up capital and mitigate risks. However, challenges remain as structural pressures from COVID and OTT platforms cast shadows on the future of cinema.

Tiruppur, India’s knitwear hub, faced a crisis after hefty US tariffs on garment imports. This shock forced manufacturers to rethink their strategies, pivoting to European markets and exploring production in Sri Lanka and Kenya. As they shift from mass-market basics to intricate designs, the industry is investing in automation and cutting costs. Surprisingly, this disruption may catalyze a much-needed evolution in their practices and skills, transforming setbacks into opportunities for growth and modernization.

India's largest school board plans to introduce AI to third graders, aiming for 'computational thinking' rather than building chatbots. However, many teachers express hesitation due to their lack of familiarity with technology. The curriculum will integrate AI concepts into existing subjects without focusing on screens. Critics worry about overcrowding the syllabus, while others highlight the importance of effective teacher training. Positive pilot programs show that useful AI tools can benefit classroom learning, as students navigate the blend of home and classroom tech use.

Nisha Millet, a former Indian Olympic swimmer and founder of the Nisha Millet Swimming Academy, shares her journey from overcoming fear to qualifying for the Olympics. She discusses the importance of community support and mental training in athletics and business. Nisha emphasizes managing pressure through self-talk and setting realistic goals. She also reflects on the challenges of transitioning from athlete to entrepreneur, revealing that while both paths are tough, the creative satisfaction of entrepreneurship keeps her motivated. Tune in for insights on resilience and consistency!

SoftBank's $5.8 billion sale of Nvidia shares aims to pivot towards innovative AI applications. Analysts highlight Nvidia's soaring valuation amid concerns of an overheating market. With potential capital rotation in sight, India emerges as a calmer investment alternative due to its strong domestic fundamentals and diverse growth sectors. The discussion delves into how India's economy, focused on finance and manufacturing, contrasts with the concentrated AI-driven hype elsewhere. Yet, questions linger about India's infrastructure and innovation capacity.

The podcast delves into how VLCC is thriving in the era of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic. It discusses Carlyle's bold strategy of expanding clinics despite industry fears. Interesting insights are shared on how these drugs could actually enhance VLCC's beauty offerings. The contrast between affordable weight-loss plans and the pricey GLP-1 treatments is explored. Additionally, it highlights VLCC's holistic approach to weight loss, integrating diet, exercise, and technology for personalized results.

The opening of the University of Southampton's campus in India marks a significant shift in higher education. States are eager to attract foreign universities for both prestige and economic gains. While institutions see financial benefits, the real impact on students raises concerns. Cheaper foreign degrees are enticing, yet students miss out on valuable international experiences and job opportunities abroad. The promise of partnerships for internships like those with Deloitte is overshadowed by job market fits that struggle to keep pace with new degree offerings.

Banks in India are transforming AI, shifting from assessing credit risk to hyper-personalized marketing campaigns. They analyze customer transactions to offer tailored products like credit cards and insurance. Regulatory frameworks for lending are strict, but marketing rules are still developing, allowing banks to explore freely. This prompts concerns over AI bias and customer manipulation through persistent, targeted ads. As investment in AI marketing surges, traditional creative agencies find themselves replaced by ad tech solutions.

Zepto's IPO plans are heating up after a Diwali surge, with 20 lakh daily orders boosting investor confidence. However, challenges lurk beneath, including leadership exits and FDA scrutiny over hygiene issues. The company faces backlash for its consumer strategies, like the swap-and-save feature that risked alienating partners. As it prepares for listing, Zepto is navigating a tricky landscape of rising revenue against persistent losses while striving to win over skeptical investors in a competitive market.