Daybreak

Explore the rise of Hurun India as a leading name in wealth rankings, surpassing even Bloomberg and Forbes. Discover how it transformed wealth display into a cultural phenomenon amidst India's secretive attitude towards riches. Delve into the innovative strategies that have positioned Hurun as a trusted source for wealth managers. Uncover the intricate dynamics of wealth management and the targeted approaches used to engage ultra-rich clients, revealing deeper narratives around wealth creation in modern India.

The conversation dives into how AI is revolutionizing the notoriously tedious loan approval process, making it faster and more efficient. Recent advancements have led to significant investment in Indian AI startups, especially within the banking sector. However, the excitement is tempered by concerns from regulatory bodies about bias and potential risks associated with AI in finance. The discussion highlights the balance needed between innovation and regulation in this evolving landscape.

A significant shift in tech hiring dynamics unfolds as Microsoft seeks silicon hardware engineers, aiming to counter Nvidia's chip monopoly. The tech giant is targeting talents from top Indian institutes, underscoring the importance of proprietary chip development. The podcast also explores the competitive landscape with Nvidia's upcoming serverless API launch and its implications for cloud markets. Dive into the strategic decisions and the vibrant Indian semiconductor ecosystem driving these developments!

In 2024, 10-minute delivery services took India by storm, leaving traditional food delivery times in the dust. Companies like Zepto, Swiggy, and Blinkit are racing to innovate, with Blinkit's launch of 'Bistro' and Zepto's 'Zepto Cafe' showcasing fierce competition. As these brands shift strategies to retain customers who demand faster service, the podcast delves into whether this trend is a necessary evolution or just consumer obsession. Explore the complexities of quick commerce and the pressures driving these changes.

Join Ashwin Malwade, founder of Greenmyna, an eco-friendly event planning company, and Anirudh Gupta, co-founder of Climes, a climate tech firm, as they delve into the evolving landscape of sustainable Indian weddings. They discuss the growing demand for zero-waste celebrations amidst the extravagant spending culture, highlighting innovative practices and challenges in wedding planning. The duo also shares budget-friendly climate actions and the significance of high-quality carbon offset projects, advocating for collective responsibility in making impactful consumer choices.

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.