Daybreak

Explore how Giva is transforming India's jewelry scene by betting on silver instead of gold. This innovative brand, valued at $2 billion, taps into the untapped silver segment with stylish, affordable luxury designs. Challenges loom, from rising silver prices to proving that silver can compete with gold's cultural legacy. The conversation reveals strategies for reshaping consumer perceptions and navigating an unorganized market. Tune in for insights on this bold venture!

India is set for a major overhaul of its Goods and Services Tax, introducing a new structure aimed at simplifying compliance and slashing costs. The changes will affect everything from everyday essentials to luxury cars. However, some states are raising concerns about potential revenue losses, while economists debate the design's effectiveness. Market reactions are already visible, with key sectors experiencing significant shifts. The discussion highlights who stands to gain and who may be left behind in this ambitious tax reform.

Recent departures at India's largest venture-capital firm raise eyebrows, highlighting a concerning trend. Harshjit Sethi, a key player in AI investments, has left, joining others like Shailesh Lakhani. This exodus coincides with a pivotal moment for the firm, as it anticipates major IPOs from companies like Groww and Pine Labs. The podcast delves into the paradox of experiencing financial success while facing internal turmoil. What does this mean for their global ambitions and future stability? Tune in for fresh insights.

India faces a deepening doctor shortage, with only one for every 1,260 people, far below the WHO recommended ratio. Thousands of students travel abroad for medical degrees, but upon return, they hit bureaucratic hurdles and grueling revalidation tests. The podcast sheds light on the high failure rates of these exams and the limited internships available. Additionally, it dives into the impact of prioritizing local graduates over foreign-trained ones and how the pandemic exacerbated these challenges. Reforms in the medical system are urgently needed to harness this untapped talent.

Peyush Bansal's daring move to buy back Lenskart shares at a discount is shaking up the startup scene. This strategy not only increased his equity but also elevated him to promoter status, a title once shunned by founders. The podcast explores how this bold approach reflects broader trends in Indian entrepreneurship and challenges traditional IPO strategies. It also unpacks the complex regulatory landscape that influences these decisions, especially in light of recent events like the Paytm incident, affecting investor confidence and approval processes.

Dive into the intriguing dynamics of wealth transfer in India, spotlighting high-profile family feuds like the Ambani rivalry. Discover the emerging role of succession coaches, who blend mediation and strategy to preserve family legacies. As over 850,000 millionaires look to hand over their fortunes, learn how heirs are shifting focus from business involvement to wealth management. Explore the complexities and critical strategies that will shape the future of family enterprises in a rapidly changing economic landscape.

U.S. tariffs have doubled, impacting $60 billion in Indian exports, leading to fears of massive job losses. This shake-up reveals India’s overreliance on the American market, creating a significant opportunity for transformation. As factories idle and growth projections falter, there’s a call for strategic diversification of trade partnerships. With the U.S. set to become India’s largest export market, innovative approaches are being discussed to navigate these geopolitical challenges and bolster resilience in the export ecosystem.

Discover how Google is making big strides with its Gemini AI, aiming to dominate the Indian market. The podcast delves into Google's strategy of bundling Gemini with Workspace and Cloud services, making it a go-to solution for various enterprises. Learn about the competitive dynamics and the clever mix of customer service and creative applications. The discussion highlights Gemini's advantages in data privacy and integration, while questioning the depth of its market adoption. Tune in for a fascinating look at AI's impact on business!

Abhirami, a colleague at The Ken, joins to discuss the alarming data practices of Indian startups like Swiggy and Zepto. She sheds light on how these apps exploit Google Play's rules to access users’ personal data, often snooping on other installed apps. The conversation delves into growing concerns around data security breaches and the alarming indifference of Indian companies toward user privacy. Abhirami also explores what consumers can do to safeguard their information in this precarious digital landscape.

The podcast dives into the explosive growth of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs in India, highlighting the remarkable journey from strict regulations to rapid market entry. It showcases the popularity of medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro, which have transformed the weight-loss landscape. The discussion also touches on the impending price drops and the eager competition among pharmaceutical giants vying for a piece of this booming market. Listeners will gain insights into the industry's challenges and the changing tides of consumer demand.