Daybreak

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!

In this episode, Debanjali Biswas, a reporter at The Ken focusing on employment and education, sheds light on the struggles faced by recent Infosys trainees. With tougher assessments resulting in layoffs and stagnant salaries, young professionals are navigating a challenging IT landscape. As automation pressures rise, fresh graduates must adapt quickly while dealing with the harsh reality of increased competition and evolving expectations. Debanjali discusses how these changes impact both the workforce and the broader Indian IT sector.

Tesla's ambitious plans for India have hit a significant roadblock despite interest from the government and potential buyers. The drastic cut in import duties wasn't sufficient to overcome challenges related to local suppliers and market standards. As the company gears up for a launch that never seems to arrive, frustration is mounting with cancellations and leadership changes in India. The discussion sheds light on the misalignment between Tesla’s expectations and the realities of the local automotive market.

In this engaging discussion, Soumya Rajan, founder and CEO of Waterfield Advisors, shares her insights on empowering women in finance. She highlights the unique investing traits of women, emphasizing their strategic, sustainability-focused approach. Soumya introduces her T.O.U.C.H framework, which reveals patterns in women's financial behavior that differ from men’s. She also sheds light on the barriers wealthy women face, and how HERitage aims to bridge gaps in financial literacy and access, ultimately inspiring a new generation of women investors.

Ather Energy faces a tough road ahead after a lukewarm IPO, as investor confidence dips amid Ola Electric's struggles. The podcast delves into Ather's need for capital to compete in a crowded market filled with uncertainty. Financial challenges loom, with losses in scooter sales and limited product offerings raising concerns. Strategic conflicts with Hero MotorCorp highlight the pressing need for innovation and new revenue streams. Ather's future hinges on its ability to prove it’s more than just another EV startup in a shrinking landscape.

Swiggy is branching out beyond food deliveries with its new service marketplace, connecting customers to verified professionals like therapists and tarot card readers. The shift comes as part of a strategy to enhance customer engagement and set itself apart from competitors. The discussions reveal the challenges of ensuring a reliable customer experience in this competitive landscape and how the initiative aims to redefine service standards in India.

Atul Krishna, an education and edtech journalist from The Ken, joins the discussion on the shifting landscape of Indian education. He highlights the anxieties parents face with the transition to the International Baccalaureate program. The conversation delves into the challenges of inadequate teacher training and the financial strain of high school fees. Atul also introduces Sparkl Edventure, a new platform aimed at enhancing IB tutoring access, and discusses broader educational solutions for South Asia and the Middle East to better prepare students for university success.

A software engineer shares his frustrating ordeal of being charged for a canceled subscription due to UPI Autopay. This issue highlights a growing trend where users unknowingly continue to pay, revealing the dark patterns that complicate cancellation processes. Consumer complaints cascade, showcasing a stark contrast between seamless sign-up and labyrinthine cancellation. Experts weigh in on consumer protections and provide valuable tips for managing subscriptions, empowering listeners to navigate the tricky waters of online services.

Swati Mohan, the former head of marketing at Netflix India, brings over two decades of expertise in media and entertainment. She dives into the surprising shift of streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video introducing ads after years of being ad-free. Swati discusses how consumer habits evolved during the pandemic, the competitive dynamics between Prime and traditional TV, and the impact of ad-supported models on viewer experience. The conversation explores whether this marks a regression for streaming or simply a natural industry evolution.

Discover the rise of Chief Digital Officers as pivotal figures in corporate India, initially starting with just a handful of members in 2016. Learn how their responsibilities have expanded dramatically, driving innovation through impactful partnerships like Muthoot Finance and Google Pay. The podcast contrasts CDOs and CIOs, spotlighting the evolving role of CIOs as they shift from tech providers to strategic innovators in a fast-paced digital landscape. The discussion emphasizes the critical need for upskilling in today’s business environment.