Daybreak

This week, a deep dive into the troubling wealth inequality in India highlights alarming statistics and the widening gap fueled by automation and AI. Meanwhile, the fierce battle between Netflix and Paramount over Warner Brothers raises eyebrows about streaming monopolies and antitrust issues, particularly regarding Indian competitors. Lastly, Indigo's operational chaos prompts regulatory intervention as cancellations spike, revealing underlying systemic issues and pressures during peak travel times.

Explore Lenskart's remarkable journey to becoming a public company, achieving significant profits while expanding globally, unlike its peers Zomato and Ola. Discover how founder Piyush Bansal leveraged discounted share buybacks to increase his stake and the strategic importance of retaining control before IPOs. Learn about the shift in SEBI regulations demanding identifiable promoters for accountability and the implications of this for investors. Lenskart's vertically integrated supply chain plays a crucial role in its success by ensuring consistency and competitive pricing.

Explore the ambitious yet sobering reality of India's Atal Incubation Centres, which promised to nurture startups but fell short, with less than 5% securing external capital. Hear a founder's frustrations over funding and the lack of essential support from these centres. Delve into the troubling absence of metrics and audits revealing a disconnect between intent and outcomes. Examine examples of both success and failure within the ecosystem, raising questions about the true effectiveness of government investments and support for innovation.

Explore how Jio transformed cricket viewing in India by offering free streaming, challenging the subscription model. Learn about the shift to an ad-heavy revenue approach and the impact of declining ad spending from online gaming platforms. The episode dives into Jio's mounting losses and its decision to exit a lucrative contract, showcasing the volatile nature of live sports viewership and the structural changes in rights economics. Discover how viewer expectations have evolved and what this means for the future of cricket broadcasting.

A transformation at TISS has stirred up the academic landscape. Manoj Tiwari’s overhaul favors management studies over social sciences, leading to significant curriculum changes and hiring from business schools. The switch to entrance exams like CAT reshapes the student demographic, favoring quantitative skills. This shift reflects broader trends in higher education, where arts and humanities suffer. The emphasis on self-sufficiency and market demands raises concerns about the future of critical thinking and public discourse.

IndiGo faced a chaotic week as hundreds of flights were cancelled, stranding thousands of passengers. The introduction of new pilot rest rules revealed cracks in the airline's tight operational model. Stricter regulations led to a critical shortage of available pilots, exacerbated by seasonal demand and weather issues. With over 1,200 cancellations, the repercussions extended beyond inconvenienced travelers, impacting the airline’s reputation and stock price. The discussion raises crucial concerns about the sustainability of rapid growth in India's aviation sector.

Physicswallah's journey is a case study in frugality, having thrived on minimal funding while preserving founder ownership. As it shifts from a lean startup to aggressive scaling, the company faces the challenges of substantial growth and operational changes. The increasing ad spend and a spree of acquisitions raise questions about integration risks. Meanwhile, the founder's strong personal brand fuels loyalty but could also pose a risk. How will the company navigate this transition, balancing rapid expansion with its original ethos?

India's government has mandated that all smartphones come with the Sanchar Saathi app, which tracks lost devices but also demands extensive permissions. Privacy advocates raise alarms about potential misuse, comparing this directive to those in Russia and China. Apple refuses to comply, raising concerns about user privacy. The secretive nature of the mandate and the lack of industry consultation spark public backlash. Tune in for insights on government surveillance and the implications for personal data security.

Zepto is evolving its strategy, prioritizing everyday low prices and availability to enhance customer loyalty. Despite a cash-burning approach aimed at rapid user acquisition, questions arise regarding the long-term impact on pricing power. The company faces scrutiny from competitors over its spending habits, even as it experiences growth in revenue and user projections. Leadership changes signal potential internal challenges, adding tension as Zepto prepares for its impending IPO.

India aims for a clean mobility revolution with 50,000 electric buses by 2030. However, the existing power grid struggles under demand, leading to voltage drops affecting local businesses. The gap between bus purchases and grid capacity highlights serious planning issues. Cities are racing to meet ambitious targets, but coordinating infrastructure upgrades is a complex challenge. Exploring technical fixes and the potential of vehicle-to-grid systems reveals innovative paths forward. The discussion questions how to effectively align ambitious climate goals with the necessary infrastructure.