Game of Consultants
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Guesstimate Cheat Sheet
Useful numbers for guesstimates and market sizing.
Surge in Festive Sales in India: Sustainable Growth or Seasonal Distortion
India’s festive season has evolved from a cultural celebration into one of the country’s most powerful economic events. Diwali sales today are driven not just by tradition, but by flash discounts, influencer marketing, and easy credit, turning celebration into consumption at scale.
In just four years, online festive sales have jumped from ₹72,000 crore to nearly ₹1.2 lakh crore. While the numbers look impressive, they raise an important question: is this surge a sign of sustainable economic growth, or a seasonal distortion powered by emotion, FOMO, and deferred payments?
As social media shapes buying behaviour and Buy Now, Pay Later normalises debt-led consumption, festive spending increasingly reflects psychological and financial fragility beneath its glittering surface.
Discover the full story in Vyom’s article.
When Growth Takes Off but Profits Don’t: The Indian Airline Story
India’s aviation sector is soaring in passenger numbers, aircraft orders, and demand, but profits remain stubbornly grounded. Despite growth in air travel, most Indian airlines continue to struggle financially, revealing a paradox at the industry’s heart.
At the core lie structural challenges: aviation turbine fuel accounting for nearly half of operating costs, a tax regime that keeps ATF outside GST, dollar-denominated lease and maintenance expenses, and some of Asia’s highest airport charges. Add to this a fiercely price-sensitive market, fare wars, and limited ancillary revenues, and growth alone no longer guarantees profitability.
IndiGo stands out as the rare exception, proving disciplined cost control, scale, and financing can still deliver profits.
Explore the full analysis in Ananya Khosla’s article.
String of Pearls vs Necklace of Diamonds
The evolving maritime rivalry between India and China has brought two strategic visions into sharp focus: China’s String of Pearls and India’s Necklace of Diamonds.
The String of Pearls refers to China’s network of ports and strategic facilities stretching from the South China Sea to the Horn of Africa, designed to secure trade routes and expand geopolitical influence.
In response, India has strengthened its maritime partnerships and developed its own chain of strategic assets across the Indian Ocean. This Necklace of Diamonds enhances India’s naval reach, fosters regional cooperation, and acts as a counterbalance to China’s growing presence.
Find out in Ishaan’s article how these competing strategies shape security dynamics and the future balance of power in the Indo-Pacific.
Case Competition Guide 3.0
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The Economics of Solitude: Can Isolation Become a Commodity?
Loneliness is no longer just a social issue, it has evolved into a rapidly expanding economic sector. From AI companionship models and micro-therapy apps to rent-a-friend platforms, the “Loneliness Economy” monetises emotional need and offers temporary relief at a cost. With U.S. employers losing up to $460 billion annually due to loneliness-related absenteeism, solitude has become both a public health crisis and a commercial opportunity.
Yet the rise of these services reveals a deeper structural problem. Modern labour systems create time poverty, unstable schedules, and fragmented communities, while inequality erodes trust and social connection. As people struggle to form meaningful relationships, paid emotional labour fills the gap but often heightens shame and detachment.
Addressing this crisis requires more than digital solutions. Ethical AI regulation, labour reforms, and social-impact business models are critical to restoring human connection. The economics of solitude ultimately reflects the health of society itself.
Discover the full story in Nikhil’s article.
Guesstimate the revenue of the new apple store in Bangalore from sales of Iphones on opening day
Let’s guesstimate the revenue of the new apple store in Bangalore from sales of Iphones on opening day.