In this week’s wrapup, we talk about Pepsi’s fall from grace in the soda wars, whether government bailouts actually fix anything, TRAI’s new spectrum rules that could launch India’s satellite internet race, the surprising rise of cannabis drinks in the US, and why humanoid robots could be the next big thing but a challenge to India’s labour edge.

And in this week’s markets edition, we break down why Reliance is cashing out of Asian Paints after 17 years and whether India’s top paint brand is beginning to lose its shine.

Click here to read the entire markets story.

And with that out of the way, let’s recap what we wrote over the week, shall we?

Is Pepsi losing its pop?

Once upon a time, Pepsi was America’s soda sweetheart. Today, it’s fallen to fourth place — behind Coke, Dr Pepper and even Sprite.

Why?

Because Gen Z wants bold new flavours, not old-school cola. And while Dr Pepper and Sprite have been busy reinventing themselves, Pepsi got distracted by hummus, kombucha and snacks. It dialled down its cola push, cut ad budgets and watched its market share fizzle.

Now it’s trying to make a comeback with nostalgic ads, trendy launches and a $2 billion bet on Poppi. But is it too late to win the cola war?

We broke it all down in Monday’s story.

Do government bailouts work?

This week, we also asked a big question — when the government swoops in with taxpayer money to save a failing business, does it actually work?

We looked at four major cases — Air India, Yes Bank, Vodafone Idea and BSNL. Some worked. Others just kicked the can down the road. 

Turns out, bailouts only work when they’re tied to deep reforms, new management and a clear exit plan. Without that, it's just expensive denial.

And our Tuesday edition walks through the winners, the flops and everything in between.

Will satellite spectrum rules shake up Indian telecom?

India is on the brink of a satellite internet revolution. 

Thanks to TRAI’s new rulebook, satellite companies like Starlink, OneWeb and Jio-SES won’t have to fight billion-dollar auctions for spectrum. Instead, they’ll pay a flat fee and start broadband services from space.

That’s great news for rural connectivity. But telcos like Jio and Airtel aren’t happy. They’ve spent billions buying spectrum, and now satellite players might be walking in through the backdoor.

Plus, with pricing, regulations and national security still to iron out, India has a long way to go. 

And you can check out Wednesday’s story to know what lies next for India’s satellite internet.

Can cannabis drinks shake up the US' alcohol industry?

Turns out, cannabis drinks are trending. THC-infused seltzers are popping up on shelves in the US. Even in states where marijuana isn’t fully legal. And for the first time in 40 years, daily cannabis use has overtaken alcohol consumption.

Why?

Simple: younger Americans want a buzz without the hangover and THC drinks promise that. And a 2018 loophole in the US Farm Bill let beverage makers use hemp-derived THC legally.

Now, this $340 million market could hit $2 billion by 2030. But can it really dethrone alcohol?

Well, it won’t be easy. Find out why in our Thursday newsletter.

Are humanoids the next big leap for humankind?

Robots that fold laundry. Work 24/7. Handle your groceries.

Sounds like science fiction? Well, Tesla, Hyundai and BMW are already testing humanoid robots in their factories. And China is going all-in with subsidies and mass production.

The world is short of labour, and the economics of robots is improving. Some bots now cost under $20,000 — and payback periods are shrinking fast. Analysts believe humanoids could become a $38 billion market by 2035.

But while the rest of the world sees an opportunity, India sees a dilemma. Humanoids could threaten our low-cost labour advantage. Still, India might have a shot, not by building the bots, but by powering their brains.

Friday’s story explores the risks, the opportunities and what India could do next.

🔊🔊🔊We’re back with our quiz!!!

Finshots Weekly Quiz 🧩

Here’s your chance to win some exclusive Finshots merch. All you have to do is click on this 👉🏽 link, answer all the questions correctly by 12 noon on May 23, 2025 (Friday) and tune in to our Sunday newsletter aka Sunny Side Up next week to check if you got lucky.

That’s it from us this week. Have a great weekend!

Liked this wrapup? Don’t forget to share it on WhatsApp, LinkedIn and X.

75% of Indians are NOT covered by Life Insurance!

Don’t be a part of the herd — take the first step and lead the way.

A term life insurance plan offers a crucial safety net for your loved ones, ensuring they’ll be financially supported even in your absence.

Book a FREE call with Ditto to learn more about term life insurance and find the best plan for you and your family.