Daybreak

At the end of 2024, Indigo, India’s largest airline, was voted as the airline of the year by Centre for Aviation (CAPA) at the 2024 Global Aviation Awards for Excellence. And then just a couple of weeks later, the airline was in for a rude shock when a survey by a German consumer-rights group ranked it among the worst 10 airlines in the world. Indigo, of course, refuted the findings of the survey and cast doubts on the credibility of the agency that released it.Monthly data from aviation regulator DGCA had scored Indigo high on punctuality and low on customer-complaint ratios, and it was a big deal “for an airline of its size and scale of operations”.But you see, that is exactly where the problem lies—size and scale.Tune in!Daybreak is produced from the newsroom of The Ken, India’s first subscriber-only business news platform. Subscribe for more exclusive, deeply-reported, and analytical business stories.Correction: In the episode, the host said SpiceJet is not listed. That is factually incorrect. The error is regretted. 

Discover how quick commerce is revolutionizing the sexual wellness market, making once-taboo products easily accessible. Innovative brands like Bold Care and MyMuse are leading the charge, breaking down barriers and reshaping perceptions of sexual health. The conversation dives into the unique challenges Indian startups face, from customs regulations to societal attitudes. With discreet online consultations and bold marketing strategies, the landscape of sexual wellness is changing forever.

Indian universities are caught in a frenzy to climb global rankings like QS, leading them to adopt questionable strategies. They’re admitting more foreign students and hiring expensive consultants, often sidelining academics. The obsession poses real concerns about transparency and neglecting essential education values. Furthermore, the influence of ranking agencies prompts institutions to prioritize metrics over sustainability and environmental considerations, ultimately affecting the academic experience for both faculty and students.

Real estate prices are skyrocketing, with a Gurgaon penthouse selling for an astonishing Rs 190 crore. The podcast reveals the unsettling truths behind home loans, including hidden costs often overlooked by borrowers. Personal accounts highlight the deceptive nature of bundled insurance policies, swelling financial burdens unexpectedly. Experts caution against lenders' pressures to buy unnecessary insurance, encouraging listeners to scrutinize agreements and know their rights. It's a wake-up call for potential homeowners navigating the complex market!

In today's discussion, Shrayana Bhattacharya, an economist at the World Bank and author of "Desperately Seeking Shah Rukh," shares insights on how Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan intertwines with the lives of Indian women. She explores their struggles for independence, the emotional nuances of economic behavior, and the stark gender gap in the workforce. Shrayana sheds light on the complexities of women's identities linked to fandom, societal roles, and the dynamic nature of urban challenges, advocating for systemic changes to support women's empowerment.

Saregama is reinventing itself, stepping away from just classic tunes to create fresh hits. YouTube plays a crucial role in this transformation, serving as a powerful platform for exposure. The relationship, however, is a double-edged sword, as YouTube holds most of the influence. The discussion also highlights the contrasting strategies of other music labels, emphasizing the importance of efficiency in the competitive landscape. Saregama’s journey showcases how even a century-old company can adapt and thrive in the digital age.

China leads the world in electric vehicles, fueled by generous government incentives and subsidies. While pollution has decreased and urban noise levels have dropped, EV owners face the unexpected burden of rising insurance costs. The insurance market is evolving, with innovative solutions being created through partnerships among insurers, automakers, and data platforms. These collaborations aim to offer personalized insurance policies based on driver data and introduce dynamic pricing models, redefining standards for the industry.

Delve into the fascinating world of UPI apps and discover why users stick with disliked platforms. Despite a competitive landscape dominated by PhonePay and Google Pay, brand inertia keeps consumers loyal to familiar choices. Explore how emerging players like Na'vi and SuperMoney are attempting to shake up the market with innovative strategies aimed at younger audiences. Listen as the discussion navigates through retention struggles linked to user dissatisfaction, drawing parallels to other tech failures.

As 2024 wraps up, the hosts take a hilarious trip down memory lane, celebrating their favorite and least favorite episodes. They tackle eye-opening topics like egg freezing and the dynamics of women in gig work. Insights on financial empowerment highlight practical strategies for women seeking independence. A light-hearted quiz revisits memorable quotes, and they tease exciting future topics. Tune in for a mix of triumphs and tribulations from a year filled with thought-provoking conversations!

In the bustling Delhi-NCR real estate market, potential homebuyers are grappling with soaring prices for luxury apartments. Despite having budgets up to 2.5 crore rupees, many are being advised to lower their expectations. A significant supply crunch has hit mid-premium housing, with inventory plummeting and builders facing legal hurdles. Strikingly, demand remains robust as tens of thousands continue to seek homes, raising the question: why aren’t more units being developed in this competitive landscape?