Daybreak

 Here’s the thing about the Indian carbonated beverage market – for decades now it has been a two, sometimes three horse race dominated by everyone’s favourite black coloured colas. Pepsi, Coca Cola and Thums Up. But in the last year or so, a 160-ml bottle of cumin-flavoured soda has managed to do what very few bottled beverages could. It has challenged the Indian beverage industry’s holy trifecta – the Coca-Cola-Pepsi-Parle Agro trio. The crazy thing is, this isn’t some massive global brand that has just entered the Indian market. It’s a seven year old desi brand launched by three cousins in Punjab that was largely unknown until about a year ago. We are talking about Lahori Zeera. Tune in. 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.

The Bayani sisters are on a bold mission to rebuild their family's legacy with Think9 Consumer Technologies, a startup incubator for new brands. They face numerous challenges, particularly the struggles of the roll-up business model after their father's empire collapsed. The sisters tackle the daunting task of appealing to young consumers while dealing with a traditional workforce and navigating competitive pressures. Their journey is a blend of ambition, innovation, and the ongoing battle to overcome a tarnished family reputation.

On 19 March, the Indian government slashed incentives for UPI transactions by more than half to Rs 1,500 crore for FY25. After it launched in 2016, UPI very quickly became the backbone of India’s digital economy–thanks to demonetisation, and well, the pandemic. Most importantly, it was the radical decision to keep it free that fuelled its growth. No merchant fees. No transaction costs. But the zero-MDR policy came at a price because payment processors lost more than 2500 crore last year alone. And with the new budget cut, it will get worse.The system is clearly showing signs of strain. While UPI continues to post record volumes—18 billion transactions in March alone—many are asking an uncomfortable question:Can India maintain its digital payments miracle without letting the infrastructure collapse under its own weight?Tune in.Do you think people will stop using UPI if there is a small fee involved?Send your answers to us as texts or voice notes on Daybreak’s WhatsApp at +918971108379. 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.

The podcast tackles the unsettling rise of unwilling retirees and the evolving landscape of career longevity in today's economy. It reflects on lessons from past graduates who navigated job markets during downturns, shedding light on their resilience. Moreover, the discussion emphasizes the challenges mid-career professionals face and the necessity for adaptability in a changing employment environment. Finally, it explores how some individuals are redefining success through non-traditional career paths, aiming to thrive despite shifting employer expectations.

Rounak Kumar Gunjan, a reporter at The Ken, discusses JioHotstar's bold move with Sparks, a new platform targeting Gen Z with short, creator-led videos. He explores the shift from traditional content to bite-sized episodes and the strategic choices made, like removing comment sections to foster a different kind of engagement. The conversation dives into the rise of micro dramas and the challenges of keeping creators connected in a fast-changing media landscape, showcasing an innovative approach to audience interaction.

Lenskart has skyrocketed to become India's leading eyewear retailer, but its success has sparked conflict with franchise owners. Allegations of unfair practices and financial deceit have left many franchisees feeling betrayed. As investigations reveal discrepancies in sales figures, tensions rise. The company is now pivoting to a model of company-owned stores, raising further concerns among its partners. With an IPO on the horizon, Lenskart faces a crucial moment, balancing growth with the fallout from these franchise disputes.

Atul Krishna, a colleague at The Ken focusing on education and edtech, dives into Scaler Academy's journey from tech bootcamp to facing the obsolescence caused by AI. He discusses the challenges students encounter in a competitive job market despite rigorous training. The conversation reveals how AI is reshaping not just software development, but also the educational landscape, compelling Scaler to innovate its curriculum. Ultimately, it highlights the critical need for foundational skills as hiring dynamics shift in the tech industry.

Explore the consulting landscape of 2025, where AI is reshaping everything from report writing to data analysis. Far from fearing automation, top firms are embracing it, leaving junior consultants scrambling under tighter deadlines and higher expectations. A former Bain manager reveals the pressure to deliver rushed assessments that sacrifice quality for speed. Discover the disconnect between senior leaders' beliefs about AI's capabilities and the reality on the ground, and ponder what value remains when machines do most of the work.

Dive into the tangled web of global trade as Donald Trump's tariff policies unfold. Explore India's struggle to navigate these restrictions and its surprising concessions to the U.S. Unpack the quirks of Trump's inner circle, where advice comes from unlikely sources. Witness the stark contrast between Indian and Chinese startups amidst rising import tariffs. Finally, discover how these shifting dynamics are reshaping India's economic future and global brand.

A major acquisition reshapes the Indian skincare scene as Hindustan Unilever snaps up Minimalist for nearly Rs 3000 crores. This rising star, launched in 2020, thrives on transparency and active ingredients, quickly reaching a remarkable 1000 crore rupee business within months. Its success challenges legacy brands that previously hid ingredient details, forcing them to rethink their strategies. With a profit from day one, Minimalist proves that consumers crave honesty and effectiveness in their skincare routines.