Daybreak

Apple's impressive $8 billion sales in India raise intriguing questions about its strategies in a price-sensitive market. The's partnership with HDFC Bank, which offered exclusive cashbacks, played a crucial role in boosting sales. However, as the collaboration ends, the podcast dives into the reasons behind this split—highlighting financial pressures on HDFC and the emergence of new competition. What does this mean for Apple's future in India? Tune in for insights on this business breakup.

For a decade, Ola and Uber ruled the ride-hailing scene, but their grip is loosening. With Ola focusing on electric vehicles and Uber facing stagnation, their market share has dropped significantly. Enter Rapido, a fresh contender capitalizing on the discontent among drivers and riders with innovative solutions. The podcast dives into Rapido's rise and its unique subscription model, which could reshape the future of cab services in India.

Dive into the world where wealth management meets luxury lifestyle! Discover how firms are blending services to satisfy the ultra-rich. From exclusive partnerships with luxury concierge companies to creating bespoke experiences, wealth managers are stepping up their game. Learn how they are making the extraordinary a daily reality for their high-profile clientele, ensuring that no request is too outlandish. It’s a fascinating glimpse into a life where anything is possible!

Zomato is making waves again with plans to raise 8,500 crore rupees just three years after its IPO. With stock prices doubling, the company aims to level the playing field amid rising competition from rivals like Swiggy and newcomers like Reliance Retail. Quick-commerce players like Blinkit and Zepto are also pushing into smaller cities. Zomato’s fundraising strategy is seen as a strong signal to the market, showcasing its financial strength while keeping its future plans under wraps.

Masha Inhon, an Anthropology professor at Yale, explores the societal pressures on women regarding fertility, revealing the dramatic drop in egg viability after 37. Rachna Ramchand, who froze her eggs at 30, shares her personal experiences navigating the emotional and practical challenges of the process. They discuss the 'meeting gap' phenomenon, where educated women struggle to find suitable partners, and how egg freezing offers a sense of control amid evolving family structures and expectations. Together, they shed light on modern choices in motherhood and relationships.

Digital fraud is rampant in India, leading to major financial losses. Truecaller emerges as a crucial player in combating spam calls, leveraging weak privacy laws to thrive. The potential clash with TRAI’s new caller identification proposals raises questions about data privacy. Shifting gears, a nostalgic dive into coming-of-age stories highlights personal growth, featuring reflections on 'Lady Bird' and recommendations for works by PL Deshpande. The conversation underscores the importance of teen dynamics and quality literature in translation.

The podcast dives deep into the controversial NRI quota for medical college admissions. A Supreme Court ruling labeled it a fraud, yet the practice has only become murkier. An undercover investigation reveals education consultancies promising placements regardless of scores. With big bucks being the only requirement, the integrity of the admission process is at stake. The discussion sheds light on the financial motivations behind retaining the NRI quota and its detrimental impact on deserving students.

A disruptive competition is reshaping India's fintech landscape, spearheaded by the Reserve Bank's Innovation Hub. This unique entity, solely owned by the central bank, is causing unease among fintech founders with its innovative offerings like the Unified Lending Interface and MuleHunter AI. Unlike traditional models, the hub operates largely independently, prompting discussions about collaboration versus competition. Industry leaders are now rethinking strategies in this new environment, navigating the complexities of innovation amidst regulatory oversight.

CRED shares impressive growth, boasting a 60% revenue increase to nearly $300 million and a 30% rise in monthly users. The focus is on a unique approach to credit, where only qualified users can access loans, making it a safer option preferred by risk officers. The podcast dives into India's flawed credit scoring system, revealing challenges faced in redefining creditworthiness. The insights into user demographics show that the top households drive consumption, shedding light on the fintech landscape's dynamics.

In this engaging discussion, Vinoj Manning, CEO of the IPAS Development Foundation India, advocates for reproductive rights, while Leeza Mangaldas, a renowned sex educator and author, addresses sexual wellness. They tackle the recent controversies surrounding emergency contraceptive pills like the i-pill, emphasizing their safety and accessibility. The conversation highlights societal stigma and the vital role of education in empowering women's choices. They envision a future where access to reproductive health is free from judgment, ultimately fostering women's autonomy.