Daybreak

In this engaging discussion, representatives from Allen Career Institute, a leader in competitive exam coaching, delve into the significant decline in student enrollments in Kota, driven by rising concerns over student mental health. They reveal the financial strain on their operations, with admissions dropping over 35%. As the institute expands into new cities, challenges arise, including salary cuts and profitability issues at new centers. The conversation also touches on Allen’s competition with ed-tech firms, highlighting their efforts to adapt to a changing educational landscape.

Explore the historical struggle for equitable workplaces, likened to the mythical El Dorado. Delve into the ongoing DEI versus MEI debate as corporate giants scale back diversity efforts, questioning the future of inclusion initiatives. Discover the importance of addressing caste discrimination in India and the urgent need for gender representation in leadership roles. Uncover how storytelling can reshape workplace culture by promoting positive behavior while navigating the complexities of systemic bias. Tune in for insights into the evolving nature of diversity and inclusion.

Recent changes by IDFC and Axis Bank have slashed minimum credit card payments from 5% to 2%, enticing customers while masking deeper issues. With rising defaults and declining debit card usage, banks are adapting to safeguard their interests. However, this strategy could lead to increased debt for users, especially those who revolve credit and struggle with high interest rates. The podcast delves into the tempting but risky landscape of credit, urging listeners to be cautious in this evolving financial ecosystem.

Cars24 is on an ambitious journey, shifting from a used car marketplace to a full-blown fintech. They discuss the challenges of this transformation, including financing hurdles and risk management. The startup's innovative Loans24 division aims to redefine how used cars are financed. As the company navigates setbacks, their commitment to establishing a strong footing in the financial sector is evident. This evolution promises to change the landscape of used car sales and financing.

Listen in as Razorpay transforms from adversity to triumph after a significant banking restriction. The central bank's lifted embargo has opened floodgates for merchant onboarding. Employees rush back to seize the moment, showcasing the company's resilience and innovative strategies. A deep dive into how Razorpay is not just recovering, but strategically positioning itself for future growth while navigating the fintech landscape makes for an engaging discussion!

A Mumbai-based neobank, Jupiter, skyrocketed from a $70 million to a $700 million valuation in just two years, attracting many young users with its efficient banking app. However, regulatory challenges forced it to pivot from a neo bank to a non-bank entity. Seeking to build a loan book has proven costly, and as it navigates the digital banking landscape, Jupiter risks becoming just another mundane banking app. The competitive dynamics in India's fintech space make user engagement and trust-building crucial for survival.

In this captivating discussion, Alifiya Khan, a health and education reporter at The Ken, dives into her personal quest for weight loss using Ozempic, despite its unapproved status in India. She shares her struggles with obesity and how social media's buzz around the drug has influenced many, including herself. The conversation touches on the controversial nature of Ozempic as a treatment versus a trendy weight-loss solution and the risks involved in procuring it from online sources. Alifiya’s journey highlights the deep, personal ramifications of the evolving obesity landscape.

Bengaluru is notorious for its bad traffic, so much so that walking is sometimes faster than driving. Despite being a tech hub, the city struggles with innovative traffic solutions. Experts share that the focus on technology alone may not address the core problems like rising vehicle counts and limited public transport options. Delve into the irony of advanced tech meeting the everyday reality of congestion in one of the slowest cities worldwide.

Micro-schools are revolutionizing education in India, offering small class sizes and personalized learning experiences. Instead of rote memorization, they emphasize interactive experiments tailored to each student's needs. However, their high costs raise concerns about accessibility. Additionally, questions linger about how students will transition to traditional schools or higher education. As more parents consider this innovative alternative, the future of education may be on the brink of a significant shift.

Ankit Chona, founder of Hocco, brings his family's legacy to life by crafting indulgent ice cream that embraces traditional methods. He passionately defends the joy of rich flavors against the rising trend of low-calorie alternatives. Dive into his thoughts on how authentic taste prevails in a market that’s obsessed with zero-sugar options. Chona's bold stance showcases that sometimes, indulgence is the real deal, and the numbers are speaking volumes about his ice cream's appeal.