

Daybreak
The Ken
Business news is complex and overwhelming. It doesn’t have to be. Every day of the week, from Monday to Friday, Daybreak tells one business story that’s significant, simple and powerful.
Hosted from The Ken’s newsroom by Snigdha Sharma and Rachel Varghese, Daybreak relies on years of original reporting and analysis by some of India’s most experienced and talented business journalists.
Hosted from The Ken’s newsroom by Snigdha Sharma and Rachel Varghese, Daybreak relies on years of original reporting and analysis by some of India’s most experienced and talented business journalists.
Episodes
Mentioned books

10 snips
Dec 31, 2024 • 14min
Youtube is Saregama’s superpower—and its kryptonite
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.

6 snips
Dec 30, 2024 • 10min
You can buy an EV in China. But can you afford to insure it?
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.

13 snips
Dec 30, 2024 • 10min
Why people don’t change their UPI apps even when they hate them
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.

14 snips
Dec 26, 2024 • 33min
Daybreak 2024 — Episodes that soared and stumbled
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!

8 snips
Dec 26, 2024 • 10min
What happens when you bring Rs 2 crore to the Delhi-NCR house hunt?
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?

16 snips
Dec 23, 2024 • 11min
Dmart and Zudio walked so Vishal Mega Mart could run
The podcast explores the remarkable rise of Vishal Mega Mart in India's retail scene. With a staggering 27X oversubscription for its IPO, the company is quickly making a name for itself. It successfully competes against giants like DMart and Trent by catering to budget-conscious shoppers. The discussion highlights Vishal's strategic growth, particularly in tier 2 cities, and its effective business model, positioning the brand as a significant player in the market.

20 snips
Dec 23, 2024 • 8min
Chaayos is doing everything to be the anti-Starbucks
Discover how Chaayos, India's largest tea cafe chain, is redefining comfort by prioritizing customer preferences over premium branding. While other chains chase luxury, Chaayos remains committed to providing an authentic chai experience. Learn about the unique strategies they employ to enhance customer satisfaction and stand apart in a competitive market. The founder shares insights on why staying true to their roots is key, amidst rising trends that favor opulence and premiumisation.

28 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 40min
Daybreak 2024 Wrap Part 2: Writers' picks
In this discussion, Shristi Achar, a Ken reporter focused on tech and manufacturing, highlights the challenges facing Karnataka's electric vehicle battery initiatives. She dives into the logistical hurdles of establishing battery plants, including electricity and water supply issues. Shristi also reflects on the competitive landscape for battery manufacturing in India and the complexities of local production amid global supply chain dependencies. Unexpected insights into industry growth and resilience add depth to her analysis.

7 snips
Dec 18, 2024 • 13min
How the unassuming category manager came to rule the world of quick commerce
Category managers are the new power players in quick commerce, managing coveted shelf space in dark stores. They shape product visibility on major platforms like Instamart and Zepto, leading brands to go to great lengths for their attention. With over 30,000 brand requests each month for just 150 available slots, competition is fierce. This dynamic forces brands to boost their advertising efforts to remain relevant, making these managers critical to success in the fast-evolving e-commerce landscape.

15 snips
Dec 17, 2024 • 12min
Chief digital officers eat chief information officers for breakfast
Explore the rise of Chief Digital Officers in corporate India as they steer digital transformation. What started as a small club in 2016 has exploded in membership, reflecting the growing importance of this role. The podcast delves into the shifting responsibilities between CDOs and CIOs, highlighting how traditional CIOs must innovate to remain relevant. Real-world examples demonstrate CDOs driving customer engagement through technology, shedding light on the future of digital leadership.


