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
Dec 1, 2023 • 10min
You love credit card cashbacks but banks prefer giving you reward points. Here's why
The podcast discusses the rise of credit cards in India and the battle between cashbacks and reward points. It explores the differences between these two benefits and why banks prefer reward points.
Nov 29, 2023 • 12min
Why being the leader of debit cards in India is bad for SBI
The podcast discusses the State Bank of India's position as the leader in the Indian debit card market and the challenges it faces as debit cards decline in popularity. It explores SBI's efforts to save the declining market, including their reward points campaign. The chapter also highlights the challenges faced by SBI as it loses users and revenue, while mentioning potential threats and advantages for the bank in the future.
Nov 27, 2023 • 16min
Cybercriminals are exploiting big-tech to dupe users. Who's responsible?
Discussion on online ad scams in India and the role of tech platforms like Google and Meta. Examining the increasing money lost to fraud on social media platforms. Exploring how scammers exploit social media platforms and tech services for fraud. Examining the exploitation of big-tech platforms by cybercriminals and concerns about their efforts to combat these crimes.
Nov 24, 2023 • 12min
Personal loans helped Paytm make a comeback. But it can't rely on them anymore
Paytm's stock value plummeted after their IPO but saw a dramatic turnaround thanks to personal loans, which increased revenue by 60%. However, Paytm can no longer rely on personal loans and is shifting towards merchant loans due to challenges in the lending business.
Nov 22, 2023 • 12min
Physics Wallah is risking the business it has built for the one that it wants to build
On Monday, Physics Wallah fired over 100 of its employees and also announced it was going to hire more than a thousand more in the coming months. India's only profitable edtech unicorn is on a relentless expansion spree. So much so that its investors want it to slow down.From establishing itself as the leader of NEET-JEE test preparation, Physics Wallah (PW) wants to dip its toes in a bunch of other areas—from banking and defence to civil services now. Not to forget short-term skilling courses and even tie-ups with schools.Despite this hyper growth phase coming after PW became the only profitable edtech unicorn in the last financial year, cracks are appearing on its armour now.Tune in.Recommended reads:Physicswallah vs the popstarDaybreak is produced from the newsroom of The Ken, India's first subscriber-only business news platform. Subscribe for more exclusive, deeply-reported, analytical business stories.
Nov 19, 2023 • 16min
The D2C boom is over. Mamaearth's IPO is proof
Varun Alagh, CEO and co-founder of skincare company, Mamaearth, discusses the challenges faced by D2C startups in the current market. The podcast explores the rise and fall of D2C brands, the unsustainability of the D2C boom, the shifting landscape of digital-first D2C brands, and the contrasting narratives regarding the future of Indian D2Cs.
Nov 17, 2023 • 12min
The govt's U-turn on how to label fake news and misinformation on social media
Discussion on the issue of misinformation and fake news during India's elections. Impact of AI and deep fakes on spreading fake content. India's approach to combating misinformation and lack of clear definition of fake news. Contrasting strategies of Meta and YouTube in battling misinformation.
Nov 15, 2023 • 15min
PVR Inox's new sub model wants to push occupancy. But it will likely end up with a 'house-not-full'
PVR INOX had a blockbuster quarter with triple the revenue. Despite this, occupancy levels remained low. They introduced a subscription plan called Passport to tackle the issue, but it had hidden terms and conditions. The podcast explores the revenue success of PVR INOX, the struggles faced during the pandemic, and the challenges of implementing a subscription model.
Nov 12, 2023 • 14min
Byju’s $1.2 billion bad loan just cost it a unit in the U.S.
Byju’s, edtech giant, lost a case against a group of creditors who wanted the company to repay part of a $1.2 billion loan. The podcast highlights Byju’s financial mismanagement as a major factor in the creditors' lack of confidence. It also discusses the tough job market for job seekers in 2023 and how companies are rectifying their past hiring mistakes. Additionally, the podcast explores the financial issues faced by Byju's, including revenue booking changes, problems highlighted by Deloitte, and the inability to obtain credit ratings.
Nov 10, 2023 • 13min
Close to bringing in $10B in revenue this year, India's becoming the apple of Apple Inc's eye
Tim Cook, CEO of Apple Inc., discusses the extraordinary growth of Apple in the Indian market, with record revenue from iPhone sales and a projected revenue of $10 billion. The podcast explores Apple's initial struggles, its strategy of offering zero-interest financing and partnerships with banks, and its shift towards India as a manufacturing hub. It also highlights concerns about potential competition with China and the impact of Apple's own stores on smaller offline retailers.
