
Daybreak
Business news is complex and overwhelming. It doesn’t have to be. Every day of the week, from Monday to Friday, Daybreak tells one business story that’s significant, simple and powerful.
Hosted from The Ken’s newsroom by Snigdha Sharma and Rahel Philipose, Daybreak relies on years of original reporting and analysis by some of India’s most experienced and talented business journalists.
Latest episodes

11 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 12min
India’s luxury watch craze is ticking up. This Chandigarh-based retailer is making the most of it
India's appetite for luxury watches is booming, with a remarkable 25% surge in demand. Surprisingly, a Chandigarh-based retailer, Ethos, is outshining major players like Tata and Reliance. The podcast dives into Ethos's unique approach of fostering strong relationships with ultra-luxury watchmakers, setting it apart in a competitive market. Discover how trust and strategic partnerships are driving this fascinating growth in India's luxury retail scene!

6 snips
Jun 15, 2025 • 9min
Cricbuzz might boost Dream11’s reach but it's Times Internet that really scored
Dream Sports just made a bold $50 million investment in Cricbuzz and Willow TV, aiming to tap into the massive youth audience of cricket fans. With revenue projections slipping and growth slowing for Dream11, this move could be a lifeline. Cricbuzz sees hundreds of millions of visits, while Willow TV targets the growing U.S. cricket market. But with only a minority stake acquired, questions arise about Dream Sports' strategy in this high-stakes game. Who truly wins in this cricket media play? Tune in for the unexpected insights!

10 snips
Jun 12, 2025 • 14min
Rapido wants to make food delivery affordable. But can its restaurant-first strategy dish out profits too?
A new contender is emerging in India's food delivery scene, aiming to shake up the established giants. With a zero-commission approach and meals priced as low as ₹150, this startup is focused on delivering affordability. However, the big question remains: how will it turn a profit? The challenges of last-mile delivery and partner retention are highlighted, with insights into how established players like Swiggy are adapting to the competitive landscape. Can this innovative strategy attract budget-conscious diners?

7 snips
Jun 12, 2025 • 12min
How VC-backed startups turned the suitcase into a style statement
The luggage industry has transformed dramatically, evolving from plain black bags to stylish accessories. Startups like Mokobara and Nasher Miles are leading this change with vibrant designs and savvy social media marketing. Post-COVID, travel habits have shifted, making luggage part of the overall airport aesthetic. While new brands have a small market share, their rapid growth is unsettling traditional manufacturers. Tune in to discover how travel and style have intertwined in this modern luggage renaissance.

Jun 11, 2025 • 10min
The AI-powered workplace is here — and it’s messier than you think
Explore the fascinating integration of AI tools in Indian workplaces, with 90% of employees now using them regularly. Discover how companies like Razorpay and Phonepe are navigating this transformative shift, balancing productivity enhancements with employee well-being. Delve into the evolving dynamics that come with adopting such powerful technologies and the emerging challenges they present. It's a chaotic yet intriguing glimpse into the future of work!

10 snips
Jun 9, 2025 • 12min
How a 4-year-old startup took on wealth management titans with its bold hiring strategy
The Indian wealth management sector is on the rise, now overseeing over a trillion dollars in assets. A young firm is making waves with its aggressive hiring of seasoned wealth managers, aiming to attract the elite 0.01% of clients. Their innovative recruitment strategies and unique payment models are setting them apart in a closely contested market. Leadership experience plays a vital role in boosting their credibility and competitiveness, proving that talent is indeed the real prize in this booming industry.

5 snips
Jun 9, 2025 • 12min
Starlink’s deal with Jio-Airtel is more optics than real partnership
Elon Musk's Starlink is on the verge of launching in India, adding a competitive edge to satellite communications. In an unexpected twist, Jio and Airtel have partnered with Starlink, but their enthusiasm for selling terminals is questionable. The podcast dives into the intricate dance between telecom giants and satellite providers, examining regulatory changes and the motives behind these surprising alliances. Discover how these moves could impact India's broadband future and what they mean for the market landscape.

7 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 15min
India said no to pollution. China took the rare earth crown
India's dependence on China for rare earth magnets is highlighted, revealing the bureaucratic maze that importers must navigate. With China controlling 60-70% of the global market and imposing export restrictions, India's electric vehicle ambitions face significant hurdles. The discussion delves into the environmental costs of China's dominance, questioning sustainable practices in rare earth production. As India seeks self-reliance, the need for improved refining and recycling capabilities emerges as a crucial topic.

14 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 13min
Inside India’s $1.5 billion protein fetish
Protein is taking over India's food scene, reaching beyond gym enthusiasts to everyday meals. Dive into the billion-dollar boom driven by a protein-deficient population and savvy marketing. Yet, many products hide additives and misleading claims behind enticing labels. The rise of health-conscious startups reveals the complex relationship between consumption and misinformation. Curious about the real benefits versus clever packaging? This exploration uncovers the genuine impact of this so-called health revolution.

10 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 11min
How a well-timed offensive crippled Juspay’s $150 million fundraise
Dive into the cutthroat world of India's fintech landscape, where payment aggregators like Phonepe and Razorpay are vying for supremacy. Discover the intense rivalry that unfolded when Juspay, the 'aggregator of aggregators,' aimed for a payment aggregator license. The fallout from this daring move has not only strained partnerships but also left merchants scrambling to adapt. Join the discussion on the implications of this power struggle and what it means for the future of online payments in India!