

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

Sep 23, 2024 • 11min
You can buy an EV in China. But can you afford to insure it?
China's electric vehicle market is booming, with half of the world's EVs on its roads due to attractive government incentives. However, this surge has led to unexpected challenges, especially in insurance costs. The ride-hailing market is seeing 87% new EVs in 2023, raising repair complexities for insurers. Innovative solutions like usage-based insurance are emerging, leveraging vehicle data to personalize pricing. The collaboration between automakers and tech firms is shaping the future of insurance in this rapidly evolving sector.

Sep 23, 2024 • 10min
Inside Flipkart: a high-pressure workplace thanks to its IPO dreams. And Walmart
Kalyan Krishnamurthy, the CEO of Flipkart, shares insights from his leadership as the company strives for growth amid IPO aspirations. He reveals Flipkart's shift to a high-pressure workplace, driven by the need to boost profitability and market share. Kalyan discusses plans for a new loyalty program and incentives to enhance customer retention. He also candidly addresses the challenges faced over the past year, emphasizing the cultural impacts of preparation for the IPO and Walmart's financial pressures.

Sep 19, 2024 • 26min
How a cab driver from Hyderabad became the face of India’s 8 million gig workers
Shaik Salauddin, a 38-year-old cab driver from Hyderabad, is a fierce advocate for the rights of India's eight million gig workers. He founded the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers to combat the lack of legal protections. Salauddin discusses significant legislative victories in Karnataka and Rajasthan, emphasizing the importance of collective action and state involvement. He also challenges traditional union frameworks, seeking new ways to empower gig workers and create a fair labor landscape without political affiliations.

Sep 18, 2024 • 28min
A new Indian startup is ditching the sportswear playbook to score a Puma-sized win
Abhishek Ganguly, former managing director of Puma in India, is now the founder of Agilitas Sports, aiming to revolutionize the sportswear industry. Along with co-founders Atul Bajaj and Amit Prabhu, he discusses the innovative strategy of acquiring India’s largest sportswear maker, Mochiko shoes. Rather than only launching a new brand, they control manufacturing to boost margins in a competitive market. This bold move challenges industry norms and presents a new model for success in the traditionally fragmented sportswear landscape.

Sep 18, 2024 • 13min
Bajaj Finserv wanted to make waves in healthcare. So, it bought a wobbly ship.
Bajaj Finserv Health aims to transform healthcare by stepping into the spotlight after years in a supporting role. They recently acquired Vidal Healthcare, a strategic move to enhance their service offerings. The discussion explores the challenges faced by third-party administrators in India's healthcare sector. It highlights how this acquisition reflects Bajaj Finserv's ambition to tackle competition and navigate initial losses while aiming for a more comprehensive health management approach.

Sep 16, 2024 • 13min
Subway is slowly doing away with what makes it Subway. Choice.
Subway is undergoing major changes in India, moving away from its beloved franchise model. This shift means significant limitations on customization, straying from what made the brand iconic. Franchise owners are facing tough challenges, including reduced demand and strict audits. The ambitions of Everstone Capital aim to revitalize the brand, but at what cost? The podcast delves into the implications of these changes on customer choice and the dining experience.

Sep 16, 2024 • 11min
Why the Big Billion Days sale can make or break Flipkart's quick-commerce dreams
A viral tweet showcases Flipkart's impressive 13-minute laptop delivery at a cafe, highlighting their ambitious quick delivery service, ‘Minutes’. As the Big Billion Days sale approaches, Flipkart struggles to balance soaring order volumes and delivery challenges. With Ekart Logistics stretched thin, will they manage quick commerce effectively? The discussion dives into logistics hurdles, competitor comparisons, and the strategic role of grocery items in their future. Tune in for insights on whether Flipkart can finally find the right delivery formula!

Sep 12, 2024 • 42min
What happens when you sell education like shampoo? Byju's knows
Byju Raveendran, the founder of Byju's and a master in exam preparation, shares his journey from scoring in the 100th percentile in CAT to launching a billion-dollar edtech revolution. He discusses the innovative shortcuts that drew students in but also reveals the pitfalls of aggressive growth strategies and unrealistic sales targets. The conversation dives into the current legal challenges facing Byju's, the ethical dilemmas of rapid expansion, and the impact of mismanagement, painting a cautionary tale for the edtech industry.

Sep 11, 2024 • 21min
Sky-high real estate prices in Delhi NCR are making even the well-off feel broke
In the competitive Delhi NCR real estate market, even affluent buyers struggle to find homes within their budget. The acute supply crunch in the mid-premium segment has led to soaring prices, leaving many feeling disheartened. Despite this, demand remains strong, raising questions about why new residential units aren’t being developed. The conversation also delves into humorous takes on privilege through popular shows, the rise of cringe content as a comforting escape, and a playful debate between indie and mainstream films.

Sep 11, 2024 • 13min
How do you get JEE aspirants to stay in school? Hire 200 IITians.
Discover how India's booming tuition industry impacts traditional education. One school is shaking things up by hiring 200 IIT graduates to keep students engaged and reduce dropouts. Hear about innovative mentoring strategies that deepen understanding for future exams. Learn how affordable after-school programs and career support initiatives are reshaping the educational landscape. Tune in for a fresh perspective on tackling the challenges students face in their academic journeys.


