Daybreak

Dive into the tangled web of global trade as Donald Trump's tariff policies unfold. Explore India's struggle to navigate these restrictions and its surprising concessions to the U.S. Unpack the quirks of Trump's inner circle, where advice comes from unlikely sources. Witness the stark contrast between Indian and Chinese startups amidst rising import tariffs. Finally, discover how these shifting dynamics are reshaping India's economic future and global brand.

A major acquisition reshapes the Indian skincare scene as Hindustan Unilever snaps up Minimalist for nearly Rs 3000 crores. This rising star, launched in 2020, thrives on transparency and active ingredients, quickly reaching a remarkable 1000 crore rupee business within months. Its success challenges legacy brands that previously hid ingredient details, forcing them to rethink their strategies. With a profit from day one, Minimalist proves that consumers crave honesty and effectiveness in their skincare routines.

Family-run businesses play a massive role in India's economy, contributing over two-thirds to the GDP. Young entrepreneurs are stepping up to redefine their brands, moving beyond old legacies. The challenges they face include modernizing iconic names while maintaining their heritage. Stories of innovators like Ashok Mani and Arjun Vaidya reveal how they're blending tradition with fresh ideas. Investment strategies also come into play as new leaders look to attract funding, showcasing a dynamic transformation in the entrepreneurial landscape.

In this discussion, Arshish Mayer, a colleague at The Ken who closely follows investment trends, dives into the struggles of Zerodha, Groww, and Navi in disrupting India's mutual fund sector. He analyzes why the anticipated boom of passive investing hasn't materialized as expected, despite its success in the U.S. Mayer highlights the challenges new players face against established firms and the complex landscape that complicates investor choices. The conversation reveals insights into the future of passive funds and the evolving strategies needed for success.

The podcast dives into the booming market of green hydrogen, highlighting how India could become a leader in this sector. It spotlights Ohmium, an innovative American startup building modular electrolyzers in Bengaluru to produce hydrogen with renewable energy. The discussion emphasizes the importance of government support and manufacturing capabilities in driving India's clean energy ambitions. Listeners will discover the potential for economic growth and India's strategic role in the global energy landscape as it integrates green hydrogen and solar energy.

DVLS Pranathi, a dedicated reporter from The Ken, sheds light on the alarming rise of workout-related injuries linked to the popular fitness platform Cult.fit. With the surge in gym-goers post-COVID, many in their mid-30s to 40s are suffering injuries from improper techniques. Pranathi discusses the aggressive marketing strategies of fitness studios and the troubling trainer-to-student ratios. She prompts listeners to reflect on responsibility for injury prevention and the implications of a cult-like approach to fitness training.

Gaurav Bagur, a reporter at The Ken, dives into the booming advertising world within India's quick-commerce apps like Blinkit and Swiggy. He reveals how these platforms are not just selling groceries but also promoting financial services and gaming apps. With ad revenues skyrocketing to thousands of crores, they are rivaling giants like Amazon. Gaurav discusses the evolving strategies in advertising and the crucial balance between maintaining user experience while maximizing engagement. Tune in for a captivating discussion on this new frontier of digital marketing!

India aspires to become an AI superpower, but its approach has been chaotic and unfocused. With China's Deepseek R1 model raising the stakes, India's strategies seem more urgent than coherent. There's a debate on how to effectively allocate resources in the AI landscape while grappling with fragmented visions. A partnership in healthcare shows promise, but it's clear that strategic planning and accountability are essential if India wants to navigate the complex AI terrain successfully.

Discover the intriguing connection between a private company and Bengaluru's ongoing water crisis. Dive into the rise of Denta Water amidst government challenges and explore the impact of privatization on public resource management. Learn about the complexities of partnerships between private firms and the government, as well as the struggles faced by municipal water services operating under capacity. Finally, assess Denta Water's strategic advantages and its ambitions to expand beyond Karnataka, reflecting on the future of water management in the city.

Discover the struggles of BlueSmart, India's first EV ride-hailing platform, facing executive turnover and fierce competition. Explore the booming private banking sector as wealthy clients demand personalized services. Uncover the scandal surrounding major ad agencies accused of price-fixing just before India's biggest marketing event. Dive into the implications of these events on the future of electric mobility and advertising in India.