

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

Nov 4, 2024 • 11min
In India’s IPO market, this small city in Gujarat calls the shots. Just look at Hyundai
Hyundai's recent IPO in India turned out to be a flop, largely impacted by events in the small city of Rajkot. The episode dives into how local investor sentiment and mispricing played a role in the low subscription numbers. Rajkot's fast-paced trading culture favors quick profits, creating a volatile market environment. This led to a drop in Hyundai's grey market premium, leaving retail investors hesitant to jump in. It’s a fascinating look at how local dynamics can influence major market events.

Nov 3, 2024 • 10min
Can the designer who made your mobile phone addictive also make you use your phone less often?
Explore the rise of versatile designers in India, blending sustainability with tech skills. Discover how this new generation, dubbed 'Designer X,' is reshaping design education and career opportunities. The podcast discusses the impacts of design thinking on innovation and revenue growth. As universities adapt to industry demands, the landscape of design jobs becomes more competitive. Tune in for insights on how these designers can influence both culture and climate.

Oct 31, 2024 • 37min
Daybreak Special: What do women really want? A 'f*** off fund'
In this engaging discussion, Chaitra Chidanand, co-founder of Salt, shares her insights on the empowering concept of the 'f*** off fund'—a financial safety net for women facing tough situations. She explains how this fund differs from an emergency fund and its role in enabling financial independence. Chaitra also offers practical tips on budgeting, saving, and investment strategies tailored for women, emphasizing the importance of proactive financial management. Additionally, she highlights the need for open financial conversations in relationships to foster mutual support.

Oct 30, 2024 • 9min
Why Apple and HDFC Bank decided to break up their exclusive relationship
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.

Oct 29, 2024 • 13min
Rapido is taking on the Ola-Uber duopoly by being everything they are not
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.

Oct 28, 2024 • 11min
From luxury cars to lunch with celebs — wealth managers are going all out to woo the ultra-rich
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!

Oct 28, 2024 • 10min
Is Zomato declaring war in the quick commerce space?
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.

Oct 24, 2024 • 45min
Successful women are freezing their eggs. And that’s on men
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.

Oct 24, 2024 • 25min
Truecaller beat Trai to the punch with spam-call fix
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.

Oct 22, 2024 • 10min
How NRI quota became the golden ticket to med school for rich Indians
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.


