Daybreak

Praveen Gopal Krishnan, COO of The Ken and host of the Two by Two podcast, dives into Zomato's ambitious but short-lived attempt to launch a 15-minute delivery service called Quick. He discusses the fierce competition from rivals like Swiggy and Blinkit, showcasing the high stakes in the quick commerce landscape. Their struggles highlight the challenges of balancing speed with customer satisfaction. Praveen also examines failed partnerships and the complex dynamics between delivery platforms and restaurants, questioning the future of ultra-fast delivery models.

Debanjali Biswas, a Gen Z employee and colleague of Rahel Philipose at The Ken, shares insights on the evolving workplace landscape. She discusses how young workers perceive jobs as temporary stops rather than lifelong commitments, reshaping company cultures. Biswas highlights the rise of 'infant attrition' as organizations like Tata Consultancy Services adapt to this trend. She also explores the financial toll of turnover and the need for inclusive leadership development that recognizes emerging talent in a rapidly changing environment.

India has opted out of the PISA test for 16 years, after a dismal 2009 ranking that placed it near the bottom. The government is now pursuing a reform initiative called Parakh to modernize education and bring it in line with global standards. However, the move from rote learning to a system that emphasizes problem-solving and critical thinking faces significant hurdles, including diverse state policies and resistance from educators. Will India finally step onto the world stage, or will it remain in the background?

LIC is shaking up the health insurance market with a major acquisition of Manipal Cigna, targeting 860 million uninsured Indians. Their approach aims to tackle issues of trust, access, and affordability in healthcare. With no pressure for quick returns, LIC could revolutionize the sector. The discussion highlights the need for affordable premiums for patients while ensuring fair reimbursements for providers. If successful, LIC's strategies could define the future landscape of health insurance in India.

Dive into the world of electric vehicles as Ather Electric confronts fierce competition from rivals like Ola Electric and TVS Motor. The recent IPO reveals mixed investor sentiment, sparking discussions on market dynamics and strategies for a compelling narrative. Explore how regulatory challenges and tariffs impact Ather’s growth and the empowering shift in ownership post-Hero Motorcorp. With a rich history of innovation, Ather must navigate new market opportunities while tackling rising industry controversies. What lies ahead for this once-pioneer?

Earlier this month, India’s largest third party logistics company, Delhivery, acquired its biggest rival Ecom Express in a $165 million distress sale. The acquisition could not have come at a better time for both parties. Things have been tough for Ecom for some time now. The company, in fact, called off its IPO plans just this February, about six months after filing the papers and ended up laying off hundreds of its employees. Meanwhile, Delhivery has been soldiering some tough times too.  By acquiring its floundering rival, Delhivery seems to be going all out to claw back some business. But is that enough? Tune in. Daybreak is looking for a talented audio journalist with at least two years of experience. Check out the role here. 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.

Mahindra's new electric vehicles are proving to be more problematic than promising. Frustrated buyers are facing delivery delays and malfunctioning features like frozen touchscreens and glitchy cameras. The ambitious software integration intended to enhance the driving experience has backfired, leaving cars unable to operate. Meanwhile, the podcast also touches on challenges in India's agriculture and EV markets, highlighting the urgent need for improved infrastructure to support the evolving technology landscape.

Netradyne, a logistics AI startup, became India’s first unicorn of 2025 after raising $90 million. The company has revolutionized long-distance trucking with its advanced surveillance technology. Their system not only enhances road safety but also serves as a legal safeguard for drivers. As Netradyne navigates a booming market, it also faces challenges from the rise of driverless vehicles, sparking discussions on the future of the trucking industry.

In this episode we fill you in on three standout stories from the past week. First, what ITC’s acquisition of 24 Mantra means for the larger organic food market; Next, Musk’s latest attempt to save Tesla; And finally, why Blusmart’s unravelling was an eventuality we all chose to ignore. Check out the newsletter and podcast mentioned in this episode: The latest edition of Trade Tricks The Nutgraf: Blusmart and the dogs that didn’t bark

InterGlobe Aviation has soared to become the world's most valuable airline amidst a backdrop of customer complaints. As Indigo expands rapidly, issues like lost luggage and impolite staff have plagued passengers. The podcast reveals that nearly 90% of new frontline employees are under 20, raising concerns about service quality. Additionally, employees face grueling schedules, creating a stark contrast to the airline's financial success. As the company’s reputation hangs in the balance, the discussion probes whether Indigo has lost sight of its passengers.