Moneycontrol Podcast
Oil shock, inflation fears & corporate uncertainty: Why India Inc is feeling the heat | MC Editor’s Picks
India’s economy is entering a difficult phase as rising crude oil prices begin affecting fuel costs, inflation, businesses and consumer spending. Petrol and diesel prices have increased for the first time in four years, while sectors ranging from textiles and metals to automobiles and aviation are preparing for fresh pressure. Big companies like Flipkart and Samsung are also changing strategies amid global uncertainty. At the same time, concerns over inflation, a weakening rupee and slowing growth are forcing policymakers and businesses to rethink priorities. This story looks at how the global oil shock and geopolitical tensions are creating ripple ef...
Flipkart’s IPO wait gets longer; Rapido’s $240 million ride; and AI’s new field force: Forward deployed engineer
In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, Walmart asks Flipkart to prioritise profitability before its IPO plans move ahead. Rapido raises $240 million, led by Prosus as mobility competition intensifies. AI companies fuel demand for a new category of enterprise engineers, and Ola Electric approves a Rs 2,000 crore infusion into its EV and battery subsidiaries.
Bringing Structure and Reliability to India’s Interiors Market | Srikanth Iyer, Co-Founder and CEO, Homelane | MC Unusual Suspects
For middle-class Indians, the home is becoming a statement of who they are. Customisation and premiumisation are key trends across cities. But the home interiors market remains a complex maze; it is unorganised, fragmented and the costs are opaque. In this episode, Homelane Co-founder and CEO Srikanth Iyer shares his experience with host Gaurav Choudhury on building structure and reliability to India’s interiors market and reveals how in this space too AI and digitisation is transforming the traditional way of doing business.
From banking bets to energy risks: India Inc navigates a changing economy | Editor's Picks
India Inc is navigating a fast-changing economic and geopolitical landscape. TVS Group chairman Venu Srinivasan is making his first direct banking investment with a stake in Jana Small Finance Bank, while major deal-making activity continues across sectors. At the same time, the government is exploring new energy security strategies, including a possible deep-sea pipeline from the UAE, as rising crude prices and a weak rupee put pressure on fuel retailers. India’s AI ecosystem is also gaining momentum with Sarvam AI’s major fundraising plans. Meanwhile, Bharti Airtel chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal has called for Indian companies to think bigger and...
HCLTech to lead Sarvam’s $300 million bet; Startup IPO lock-ins hit unlock season; and Cognizant enters race for EQT & Bain-backed Citius Tech | MC Tech3
In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, Sarvam AI is close to raising a record $300 million round led by HCLTech, potentially making it India’s largest pure-play AI startup funding deal. Startup IPO lock-ins worth over Rs 2.3 lakh crore enter unlock season, setting up a fresh wave of investor exits. Uber expands its India engineering footprint with large tech hubs in Bengaluru and Hyderabad. And Oracle revokes campus offers at IITs and NITs amid global restructuring, leaving students scrambling for new opportunities.
India’s Forex Crisis: Gold duty hike, rupee pressure, EV import risks & corporate shake-ups
India’s decision to raise gold and silver import duties to 15% signals an aggressive attempt to protect the rupee and conserve forex reserves amid the West Asia crisis. This package explores the wider economic impact, from fears of rising gold smuggling and pressure on jewellery demand to concerns over EV-related imports and possible curbs under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme. The edition also tracks Vodafone Idea’s fresh fundraising push under Kumar Mangalam Birla, governance tensions within Tata Trusts, new BIS quality norms, Nazara Technologies’ gaming pivot, upGrad’s expansion plans, and Skyroot Aerospace’s growing global ambitions as India’s private spac...
Ronnie Screwvala’s upGrad bet, Skyroot’s orbital push, and WazirX’s crypto futures play
In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, we unpack Ronnie Screwvala’s fresh Rs 300 crore infusion into upGrad as the edtech company moves closer to acquiring Unacademy and expands its AI and skilling bets. We also track Skyroot Aerospace’s preparations for India’s first private orbital rocket launch, WazirX’s push into crypto futures trading months after its major hack, and Zoho’s Rs 70 crore investment into ONDC as the network looks to scale kirana and MSME adoption amid slowing retail order growth.
Travel, gold stocks sink, domestic tourism looks upbeat & cinemas celebrate | Editor's Picks
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for restraint is rippling through India Inc, with investors reassessing portfolios as crude prices surge and trade disruptions intensify. Moneycontrol Research explains which sectors could weather prolonged austerity better, while Indian Hotels CEO Puneet Chhatwal and PVR INOX executive director Sanjeev Kumar Bijli say domestic tourism and local entertainment could benefit from shifting consumer behaviour. Markets remained under pressure for a second straight session, with travel, hospitality, IT, real estate and jewellery stocks witnessing sharp declines amid inflation worries. Find all this and more in the latest edition of Moneycontrol Editor’s Picks.
Indian IT's OpenAI conundrum; IIT Madras startups eye US market; and Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi on a five-day visit to India
In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, we break down why Indian IT stocks fell sharply after OpenAI unveiled a $4 billion enterprise deployment venture, raising fresh concerns around AI-led disruption in the traditional IT services model. We also track IIT Madras deep-tech startups expanding into the US across electric aviation, AI and climate tech, IAMAI’s pushback against proposed IT Rules amendments, and Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi’s India visit where he met Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to discuss Uber’s long-term investment roadmap for India.
Austerity push rattles markets, Tata succession questions surface & brands eye the Vijay wave | MC Editor's Picks
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s austerity call amid the West Asia conflict rattled markets, dragging the Sensex lower and pushing the rupee to a record low as fears over India’s import bill intensified. Moneycontrol examines how curbing spending on crude oil, fertilisers, cooking gas and gold could potentially save billions in forex outflows, even as fuel retailers brace for massive losses due to elevated crude prices. The gold industry, meanwhile, is seeking urgent clarity after Modi urged citizens to avoid buying the precious metal for a year. In other news, governance tensions at Tata Trusts have intensified around Noel Tata...
Instamart vs Blinkit gulf widens; Block deal of 500 mn launched in Groww; And IIT Madras startup preps commercial IoT chip rollout
In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, we break down the latest startup and tech developments shaping India’s digital economy. Groww sees a nearly $500 million block deal as major investors eye partial exits ahead of lock-in expiry. Swiggy’s Instamart slows down while Blinkit widens the gap in quick commerce. IIT Madras startup Mindgrove’s commercial IoT chip rollout, NITES pushing for work-from-home amid fuel conservation calls, and how rising airfares and geopolitical tensions are driving Indians toward domestic travel and wellness tourism.
India tightens AI oversight, Zepto gets IPO green light & Gulf exports plunge | MC Editor’s Picks
A crucial round of Tata Trusts meetings has been postponed, delaying discussions around N Chandrasekaran’s reappointment and the possible listing of Tata Sons. Meanwhile, India is pushing for advanced AI models such as Anthropic’s Claude Mythos to be hosted domestically amid concerns over sensitive sector usage. Quick commerce startup Zepto has received Sebi approval for its IPO and could hit the markets within 60-90 days. The government is also exploring securitisation of TReDS invoices to improve MSME cash flows and unlock financing for smaller receivables. Separately, exports to the Gulf plunged 58% in March as the West Asia conflict disr...
Zepto gets SEBI nod for $1 billion IPO; Swiggy improves, Urban Company disappoints in Q4; Churn at Z47, Fashinza; and Indian govt’s push to host Claude in India
In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, Zepto gets SEBI approval for its IPO and eyes a raise of up to $1 billion. Swiggy narrows losses while Urban Company’s aggressive InstaHelp expansion widens its burn. We also track leadership churn at Z47 and Fashinza, India’s push for sovereign hosting of Anthropic’s Claude Mythos AI model, and Kissht’s stock market debut.
How great CEOs lead through chaos | Anu Rathninde, CEO coach & author of Tackling Complexity | MC Unusual Suspects
The world is more complex than ever before. Technological disruption, geopolitical conflicts, and supply chain disruptions are reshaping the global order and redefining how businesses operate. In this episode of Unusual Suspects, host Gaurav Choudhury sits down with Anu Rathninde, CEO coach and author of Tackling Complexity, to unpack how exceptional leaders navigate uncertainty—even on the scale we’re witnessing today. Having led multibillion-dollar businesses through turbulent market environments, Mr. Rathninde brings deep experience in driving sustained growth, operational excellence, and strategic reinvention. He distills the playbook of truly effective CEOs, who are leaders in the true sense of the...
ECLGS 5.0 lifeline, easing UPI payments & investors line up for Sprng Energy sale
The government is preparing to roll out ECLGS 5.0 to cushion businesses hit by the Iran war fallout; listen in for expected borrowing rates and how much additional credit this brings. Meanwhile, India’s payments ecosystem is bracing for Apple Pay’s entry as NPCI fast-tracks ‘UPI Meta’ or ‘Checkout’, a tokenisation layer designed to make UPI payments as seamless as card transactions. In the clean-energy space, Shell’s sale of Sprng Energy has sparked intense bidding from global investors. Domestic investors, meanwhile, have poured more than Rs 3 lakh crore into Indian equities despite volatility and foreign outflows, while policymakers are exploring refo...
Skyroot Aerospace is India’s first space-tech unicorn; Tough choices for NPCI; And Hyderabad vs Bengaluru: The GCC race continues
In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, Skyroot Aerospace becomes India’s first space-tech unicorn with a $60 million fundraise. NPCI accelerates rollout of UPI Meta to make online UPI payments faster amid growing card competition. Hyderabad continues gaining ground in India’s GCC race against Bengaluru, while Pronto doubles valuation in a fresh funding round. And Vijay’s Tamil Nadu election win puts the spotlight on the growing role of social media engagement in politics.
Tata Trusts rift deepens, AI-led Asian market surge & Freshworks’ global layoffs
Fault lines within the Tata Trusts are widening as Venu Srinivasan and Vijay Singh exit the Tata Education and Development Trust ahead of a crucial board review at Tata Sons. Meanwhile, AI-driven optimism is powering a surge in Asian tech stocks, bringing markets like Taiwan and South Korea closer to India’s valuation. In the tech sector, Freshworks plans to cut 11% of its workforce amid mounting pressure on global SaaS firms. India is also stepping up its regulatory response, preparing a financial sector cybersecurity framework to counter AI-led threats. On the manufacturing front, China’s Midea Group is moving ahead with...
Meesho’s Q4 losses shrink, revenue climbs; PB Fintech profit doubles in FY26; and GCCs zoom in India
In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, Meesho sharply cuts losses as AI-led shopping grows, while its logistics arm Valmo sees shipment share decline to 50 percent. PB Fintech reports strong FY26 profit growth driven by health and term insurance. A Nasscom-Zinnov report shows India’s GCC ecosystem becoming more AI and product focused. And Freshworks announces 500 layoffs with an $8 million restructuring charge amid a broader SaaS sector reset.
Division within Tata Trusts, Cognizant weighs layoffs & how Vijay became a politician | MC Editor's Picks
A key trustee vote on the reappointment of Venu Srinivasan and Vijay Singh to the Tata Education and Development Trust reveals differences within Tata Trusts, Cognizant is weighing a fresh round of layoffs that could affect 12,000-15,000 employees globally, Amazon has decided to scale up its Amazon Now business to take on rivals such as Blinkit and Zepto and govt will reasses its growth projection for FY27 as direct tax collection suffers amid Strait of Hormuz disruption.
Also inside: Behind Vijay’s stunning electoral performance - a carefully curated political image that began two decades ago.
All this an...
Amazon’s Quick Commerce Sprint, River EV’s $100 million round, and Cognizant Layoffs | Tech3
In this episode of Tech 3 by Moneycontrol, we break down how Amazon is accelerating its quick commerce push with Amazon Now as rivals like Blinkit and Zepto race ahead. We also dive into River EV’s expanded $100 million funding plans, shifting investor lineup, and what it means for India’s competitive EV two-wheeler market. And finally, a major shake-up in IT services — Cognizant could cut up to 15,000 jobs as AI and automation reshape hiring, signalling a deeper structural shift across the sector. Plus, a quick note on how Groww and PhonePe are gaining ground in the SIP market.
Stocks react to political earthquakes, why the fuel price freeze may end soon & more | Editor's Picks
In today’s edition of Moneycontrol Editor’s Picks find our in-depth coverage on the elections - from political to economic implications. India now has a continuous saffron corridor from west to east, but will BJP’s historic victory in Bengal lead to improvements in investment and industrial revival. Down south, we analyse actor-turned-politician Vijay’s surge to victory and what made his outstanding debut stun DMK and AIADMK in 16 points. Also inside: State-run fuel retailers may raise petrol and diesel costs to offset losses, Apple steps up crackdown on grey-market iPhone exports from India, investors remain committed to brands that appe...
Indian VCs go after shoes, bags, clothes; Startup ESOP cashouts get bigger; and What Vijay’s win means for Tamil Nadu Inc | Tech3
In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, venture capital flows into premium consumer brands as mass demand stays uneven. Startup ESOP payouts grow larger, driven by secondary deals and IPO prep. Tamil Nadu’s election outcome puts jobs, MSMEs and fiscal priorities in focus, while West Bengal’s structural challenges remain under watch. And Citi appoints Raj Rathi to lead M&A in India.
GST collections surge, Apple vs CCI & interesting insights from Assembly elections 2026 | Editor's Picks
India’s economy shows surprising resilience, indicated by a surge in GST collections driven by robust year-end spending. Meanwhile, Vodafone faces no risk to its immediate survival as state steps in to support and Apple accuses Indian authority for regulatory overreach after demand for revealing its global turnover. Also inside: the nagging problem of inverted duty structure ushered in by GST 2.0, India’s fuel demand rise amid Strait of Hormuz disruption and some interesting insights from the two riveting political contests in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.
Infosys bets on jobs, India rewires energy flows & Malayalam cinema’s blockbuster year | Editor's Picks
Infosys is taking a contrarian stance in the AI era, with CEO Salil Parekh ruling out layoffs and committing to hire 20,000 fresh graduates. Global interest in India’s financial sector is rising, with Emirates NBD likely to deepen its role at RBL Bank through a board-level presence. The Centre is exploring ways to bring NRIs and OCIs into MSME financing, India’s oil import strategy is shifting amid Strait of Hormuz disruptions and Malayalam cinema is poised to have another strong year with several content-led movies already in the pipeline.
Infosys CEO Salil Parekh interview; Dreamteam in funding talks with Accel; and AI reshapes Big Tech playbook | Tech3
In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, Infosys leans into AI as a growth driver while tightening deal discipline. Dreamteam, founded by former Freshworks executives, lines up a $40 million round. Big Tech players like Meta and Alphabet reshape operations around AI, and Cars24 sees back-to-back founder exits ahead of its planned IPO.
Why UAE exit from OPEC matters, Amazon & Flipkart take heatwave measures & summer holidayers head to Japan | MC Editor's Picks
India is drafting a new urea investment policy to plug a major fertiliser supply gap and reduce costly import dependence. Meanwhile, the UAE’s exit from OPEC could loosen global oil supply, lower prices and ease India’s inflation pressures. As temperatures cross 40°C, e-commerce giants Amazon and Flipkart are expanding heat protections for delivery workers, though unions want stronger safeguards. In corporate India, firms including HCL Tech, Wipro and Tech Mahindra are tightening workplace safety and POSH measures after the TCS Nashik harassment case.
DK Shivakumar warns 50% jobs are at risk; NPCI meets Fintechs; and Delivery apps roll out heat shields for riders | Tech3
In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, Cognizant reports steady growth but flags a cost reset with restructuring plans. Karnataka flags AI’s potential impact on jobs while pushing ahead with infrastructure and an AI City plan. NPCI explores giving smaller UPI apps early access to features to reduce market concentration. Heatwaves drive new safety measures for delivery workers across platforms. And Sahi raises $33 million as broking startups continue to attract investor interest.
Govt’s war relief package, BJP’s WB campaign blitz in data & credit card benefits get a trim | MC Editor's Picks
The government is preparing a Rs 2.5 lakh crore credit guarantee scheme to support sectors such as aviation and MSMEs hit by the West Asian war. Airlines have warned of severe stress as fuel costs rise, while the UAE’s exit from OPEC and OPEC+ could reshape global energy markets. Despite this uncertainty, EV demand remains robust, with electric car sales jumping 47% and two-wheeler registrations rising 28% in April. Sun Pharma, after its record Organon acquisition, plans to seek RBI approval for foreign remittance exemptions tied to corporate guarantees. Markets regulator Sebi is also considering a uniform framework for options strike prices to...
Sun Pharma acquires Organon, Tata Trusts meeting agenda & the rise of domestic help on demand | Editor's Picks
India Inc is in the middle of a major transformation. Sun Pharma has acquired US-based Organon in the biggest-ever overseas deal by an Indian drugmaker. Tata Trusts are set to hold a crucial meeting on May 8, where issues such as a fresh term for N Chandrasekaran, the possible listing of Tata Sons, and governance matters may come up for discussion. Despite the West Asia war, early fourth-quarter earnings have surprised positively, with revenue growth hitting a three-year high and profits reaching a five-quarter peak. In capital markets, Acko is preparing for an IPO at a valuation of $2-2.5 billion. At...
Acko appoints bankers, eyes $2-$2.5 Bn IPO valuation; Quick services users top 10 mn mark; And Indian IT: Why deals are not translating to revenues | Tech3
In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, ACKO lines up bankers for its upcoming IPO, signalling the next wave of startup listings. Instant househelp platforms cross 10 million users as on-demand services scale up. India’s IT firms see strong deal wins but weak revenue conversion amid AI-led shifts. And Amazon expands its quick commerce push to 100 cities with a larger fulfilment network.
Reliance powers ahead, dosa chain Benne in funding talks & what Sachin means for India | Editor's Picks
India Inc. delivered a mixed scorecard this week. Reliance Industries posted record annual profit and revenue, but markets, however, remained under pressure with a sharp selloff in IT stocks—Infosys leading the fall. In contrast, global tech majors like Google are strengthening their India bets with large investments in AI infrastructure and talent. In telecom, Vodafone Idea awaits clarity on AGR dues while Bharti Airtel steps up cybersecurity preparedness in the AI era. Also inside: Investor interest in consumer brands continues, Dhurandhar 2 has emerged as a runaway success, and Sachin Tendulkar’s enduring legacy as he turns 53.
Why Ranjan Pai is spending 35 crores on dosa, Gloom and doom IT earnings season, and the new age wealth managers | Tech3
In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, India’s IT sector sees strong deal wins but weak revenue conversion as AI reshapes contracts. Wealth-tech platforms push to bring retail investors into structured investing. Dosa brand Benne eyes fresh funding from Claypond Capital, and SuperOps cuts workforce as it pivots to an AI-first model.
Fiscal strain of war, summer travel hotspots & what data reveals about WB turnout
India’s fiscal math is coming under pressure as the West Asia crisis drives up subsidies and government spending. Despite macro headwinds, market sentiment remains resilient, supported by sustained FII inflows into both primary and secondary markets. In the corporate space, Tata Motors is backing a $4.45 billion Iveco acquisition with significant guarantees. At the same time, D2C brand Vahdam has initiated a majority stake sale, signalling churn in the startup investment landscape. On the ground, electoral data from West Bengal reveals turnout patterns linked to electoral roll revisions and demographics. Meanwhile, domestic travel is surging , with Indians opting for cl...
India's online gaming sector gets a referee; Slice to raise $100 million; and Infosys beats Street in Q4 but guidance disappoints
In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, India brings in a central framework for online gaming, drawing a clear line between permissible and money games. Slice is in talks to raise up to $100 million as it scales its banking play, while Amazon commits Rs 2,800 crore to expand its quick commerce network. Regulators assess risks from Anthropic’s Mythos AI model, and Infosys reports a strong Q4 but flags a cautious outlook ahead.
Tesla Model YL, war stress on consumers, PC makers eye India | MC Editor's Picks
India’s economy is beginning to show visible strain as the prolonged West Asia conflict pushes the Eco Pulse index into contraction territory - layoffs are slowing housing demand and rising input costs are forcing brands to rethink pricing strategies. However, India remains central to global tech manufacturing strategies, with Asus doubling down on local production as part of broader supply chain diversification. Also inside: Zerodha’s rethink about its Zero1 content venture, the dip in IT sector sentiment following disappointing earnings and Fairfax’s advanced talks to pick up a significant stake in IIFL Capital. Tune in for all this a...
Zerodha shuts creator network; IT weakness persists; Iran war drives up your snack bill; And TN polls 2026: What DMK, AIADMK, TVK say on jobs, startups | MC Tech3
In today’s Tech3 episode, we break down Zerodha shutting its creator network amid regulatory pressure, continued weakness in IT growth despite strong deal pipelines, and how the West Asia conflict is driving up costs for food startups. We also track the rollout of India’s Online Gaming Authority and decode what Tamil Nadu’s election manifestos mean for jobs and startups
The Giving Is In The Work | Shruti Deorah, Founding Executive Director, India Energy and Climate Center
India is in the middle of one of the largest energy transitions in human history. Who shapes it, and how, will have consequences that stretch well beyond the country. On this episode of Unusual Suspects, host Gaurav Choudhury speaks with Shruti Deorah, Founding Executive Director of the India Energy and Climate Center at UC Berkeley, to understand how philanthropy can play a role in getting that transition right.
Shruti's path to this work is anything but accidental. An electrical engineer from IIT Bombay, she has spent her career moving between institutions—the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, the Observer Re...
Why Chabahar was spared, Apple’s big India bet & the shift from SEO to GEO | MC Editor's Picks
SEBI is close to approving NSE’s settlement in long-running co-location and dark fibre cases, the Iran conflict is pushing India to revisit alternative fuel strategies like ethanol blending, concerns around the Strait of Hormuz remain contained for now. On the policy front, the proposed India-UK Bilateral Investment Treaty faces delays over tax-related disagreements. Also find inside our detailed coverage on Apple - Tim Cook’s fifteen year legacy, how India became a core manufacturing hub under his leadership and why Apple remains a top bet for investors, particularly Indian mutual funds. All this in today’s Moneycontrol Editor’s Picks.
Apple names John Ternus as next CEO; HCLTech Q4 results disappoint and Rupay continues to soar | MC Tech3
In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, we track Apple’s leadership transition as John Ternus steps in as CEO. HCLTech reports a mixed Q4 with revenue and profit missing estimates amid weak demand. RuPay credit cards gain ground with UPI integration reshaping the payments landscape. And QNu Labs moves closer to real-world deployment of quantum communication networks for defence and enterprise use.
TCS Nashik row: Small unit, big fallout; Data centre boom, cloud gap remains; And the rise of AI agents explained
In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, we break down the TCS Nashik case as multiple FIRs trigger investigations and internal reviews. India’s data centre capacity surges, but gaps emerge for domestic cloud players. We also explain the rise of AI agents and what it means for enterprise software. And finally, Groww reports strong Q4 numbers with profit, user growth and new verticals driving momentum despite market volatility.