Daybreak

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.

Hari Menon, CEO of Bigbasket and an e-grocery leader under the Tata umbrella, discusses the company's urgent shift towards quick commerce. He reveals how a pivotal email to employees marked a turning point as the brand grappled with its late embrace of fast delivery. Menon shares insights on the challenges of adapting amidst fierce competition from rivals like Zepto and Blinkit. He outlines Bigbasket's strategic plans to expand its dark store network and enhance customer experience, highlighting the vital need for a unique value proposition in a crowded marketplace.

PhonePe is gearing up for a public market debut, but its overwhelming reliance on payments poses risks. With 96% of revenue tied to this sector, any turbulence could spell trouble. The company's struggle to diversify into insurance highlights challenges like high costs and management inexperience. As market dynamics shift, innovative marketing strategies become crucial. The discussion dives deep into these obstacles, revealing a complex journey for the fintech giant that once seemed unbeatable.

SBI Cards is facing a tumultuous leadership landscape, with new CEO Salila Pande stepping into a challenging environment. Frequent CEO changes have led to employee dissatisfaction and instability. The company struggles with declining market performance, despite the booming credit card sector. Shifting workplace cultures and increased governance from the State Bank of India complicate matters further. The stability of the workforce hangs in the balance as the company navigates these deep-rooted issues.

The podcast dives into the intense rivalry among India's top UPI apps, highlighting the past conflicts and the current calm. It questions why many users stick to their favorite app despite cash-back incentives. The discussion reveals a lack of brand loyalty among users and explores new competitors like Navi and SuperMoney trying to carve out a niche. Privacy concerns and changing consumer habits further complicate the landscape, making it a fascinating battleground in the digital payments arena.

Dive into the spicy rivalry between Haldiram's and Bikaji, as Haldiram’s recent stake sale to Temasek shakes up the snack industry. Explore the backlash against Urban Company’s new gig service, raising issues about worker exploitation in the gig economy. Discover insights on the evolving tech export scene from India and the challenges faced by traditional snack brands adapting to health trends. Plus, learn about the implications of a potential extended downturn in stock markets, discussed in an upcoming live event.