Moneycontrol Podcast

In May this year, India's top court recognised timely trauma care for road accident victims as part of the Right to Life under Article 21. SaveLIFE foundation was instrumental in paving the way for this milestone. In this episode of Unusual Suspects, founder & CEO of SaveLIFE Foundation, Piyush Tewari and Vikram Bhat, the CEO of SCALE, share their learnings on turning a people's movement into public systems change. Can successes like SaveLIFE's be replicated and adapted to new geographies? What can be repeated and what cannot? Piyush and Vikram bring their deep insights into all this and more in a chat with host Gaurav Choudhury.

In today's Tech3 from Moneycontrol, The government steps up its electronics manufacturing push as ECMS clears Rs 7,877 crore of projects, while India's quick-commerce market crosses 9.5 million daily orders. Canva is expanding its AI and enterprise ambitions in India, now its fourth-largest market, and Zetwerk moves closer to its IPO with a Rs 2,600-crore fresh issue, an OFS and a DRHP that highlights both improving operating performance and key risks.

In today's Tech3 from Moneycontrol, India's IT services firms are facing margin pressure as AI-driven deflation and tougher client negotiations push discounts higher. Meta's advertising systems come under NHRC scrutiny over allegations involving paid promotion of sexually explicit content. Meanwhile, festive hiring is picking up, with quick commerce expected to lead temporary recruitment. And Zetwerk moves closer to its IPO with plans to raise Rs 2,600 crore through a fresh issue, alongside an OFS by existing shareholders.

Food businesses are increasingly held accountable not just for what's on the plate but also for where the ingredients have been sourced from. The global shift to more ethical and sustainable sourcing highlights the need to secure supply chains now. India is the world's second largest egg producer, but much of the traditional farming here relies on battery cages. In this episode of Unusual Suspects, Jayasimha Nuggehalli, the Co-founder and Chief Programme Officer of Global Food Partners, sits with host Gaurav Choudhury to share his rich insights about building higher welfare production systems in the food sector and how such models can be scaled in India.

In today's Tech3 from Moneycontrol, Infra.Market takes an unusual route to the public markets by merging with listed Shalimar Paints, while SBI Mutual Fund raises its stake in Urban Company. Meanwhile, Mirae Asset and Bluehill.VC add fresh capital to India's startup ecosystem, with AI, deeptech and advanced manufacturing in focus. Tamil Nadu announces over Rs 1 lakh crore in investment commitments, while Mamaearth parent Honasa Consumer reports a 119% jump in Q1 profit.

In this episode of Tech3, we look at N Chandrasekaran's decision to step down as Tata Sons chairman and what it could mean for TCS, Tata Digital and the group's newer bets. We also track Accel's $550 million India fund, Cursor's plans for its first India office and Lenskart's sharp rise in quarterly profit, driven by stronger revenue growth, higher eye tests and a modest increase in average selling prices.

In Today's Tech3 from Moneycontrol, we look at quick commerce players expanding into premium and gourmet groceries to drive bigger baskets, and how AI is changing the way IT companies structure project billing. We also unpack Mark Zuckerberg's latest push for open AI models and his vision for widely distributed AI agents. And finally, Bengaluru commuters face higher auto fares as the city's bike-taxi crackdown pushes more riders towards app-based autos.

Food is as much heritage as it is innovation. In this episode of Unusual Suspects, Sanjay Sharma, the Managing Director and CEO of Orkla India, reveals how his team thinks about food in a market where the evolving tastes of Millennials and Gen Z, and new technology, are overhauling the nature of the business. Where plans were quarterly and execution was monthly, the cycle has changed to monthly plans and daily executions. How can industries that were traditionally built for steadiness also accommodate speed? Find out in this episode where host Gaurav Choudhury talks to Sanjay Sharma about Orkla India's next phase of growth.

In Today's Tech3 from Moneycontrol, we look at the growing AI funding wave in India, with Mstack AI and Simplismart in talks for fresh capital. We also break down how a possible UPI MDR could add costs for e-commerce platforms, brokers and merchants. Plus, we explore the emerging clipping economy and the copyright questions around it, and Meta's new open-weight AI model Muse Glimmer and Mark Zuckerberg's push for open weights

In today's Tech3 from Moneycontrol, we discuss how India is set to have three commercial small launch vehicles by the end of 2027, why the food delivery battle is heating up with challengers like Ownly and Flipkart, what OpenAI's Marc Manara says about Indian startups prioritising AI costs earlier than their Silicon Valley peers, and how athleisure startup BlissClub has raised Rs 160 crore to fuel its next phase of growth.

In today's Tech3 from Moneycontrol, India's IT companies are hiring freshers again, but this time they're looking for AI-ready talent instead of following the old mass-hiring model. We also explain how the return of UPI merchant charges could earn PhonePe, Paytm and Google Pay hundreds of crores, why Girish Mathrubootham's Together Fund is raising a new $170 million AI-focused fund, and how Karnataka is exploring a partnership with Anthropic to bring AI into governance, education and public services while keeping government data within the state.

In today's Tech3 from Moneycontrol, Skyroot Aerospace flips the traditional fundraising playbook by inviting investors to bid for its next round at a $2 billion valuation. River Mobility secures India's biggest private EV funding round this year, raising $120 million to expand manufacturing and retail. We also explain why SBI and other banks could be the biggest beneficiaries if UPI merchant charges return, and why Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg apologised to the Indian government over content moderation lapses as regulatory scrutiny intensifies. Plus, a quick look at PB Fintech's strong first-quarter earnings.

India's startup IPO market is entering a new phase, where public investors are demanding more realistic valuations and smaller fundraises. We explain what it means for the next wave of tech IPOs. Plus, the rate that is likely on UPI MDR transactions. Also in this episode: Nykaa reports a blockbuster Q1 with profit more than tripling as beauty and fashion both gain momentum. The Indian government summons Meta's global team over concerns around child safety, platform accountability and content moderation.

In today's Tech3 from Moneycontrol, we explain why India's unicorn club is shrinking as investors prioritise profitability over sky-high valuations, how the closure of Paytm Payments Bank has unexpectedly strengthened Paytm's path to profitability, why IT companies are trimming bench sizes in the AI era, and how Ather Energy delivered its strongest quarter since listing by turning EBITDA positive and sharply narrowing losses.

In today's Tech3 from Moneycontrol, outgoing Infosys CEO Salil Parekh reflects on his nine-year journey and explains why he believes the company is ready for the AI era. We also bring you Moneycontrol's exclusive on Style Union's planned ₹400-500 crore fundraise, why Urban Company is prioritising InstaHelp over near-term profits, and whether the recent rally in Indian IT stocks marks the beginning of a structural comeback or just a relief rally.

India is on the cusp of a major demographic shift. By 2047–2050, nearly one in five Indians will be over the age of 60, making retirement planning a national priority rather than a personal choice. In this exclusive conversation, C. Sivasubramaniam Raman, Chairman, PFRDA, discusses why Indians need to "grow rich before they grow old" and how the National Pension System (NPS) is evolving to meet the needs of a changing workforce. From the power of long-term compounding and retirement discipline to innovations like NPS Swasthya, digital onboarding, support for gig workers, and the future of pension reforms, the discussion explores how India's pension ecosystem is being reimagined for the decades ahead.

In today's episode of Moneycontrol's Tech3 Podcast, we unpack the biggest stories from India's startup and technology ecosystem. Here's what's on the show: Zepto hits pause on its IPO and instead prepares to raise over ₹1,000 crore in a pre-IPO funding round. "India can't become a digital colony" — Sarvam AI co-founder Vivek Raghavan explains why India needs its own full-stack AI ecosystem as the startup unveils plans for a trillion-parameter foundation model. Swiggy vs Zepto: The quick commerce rivalry moves beyond discounts and delivery speeds as Swiggy questions Zepto's choice of growth metrics while outlining Instamart's next phase under new CEO Nandita Sinha. UPI's privacy dilemma: Why NPCI wants payment apps to mask users' mobile numbers—and the trade-offs between privacy, convenience and fraud prevention. Tune in for all this and more on Tech3, Moneycontrol's daily podcast covering the latest in startups, technology, AI and venture capital.

In today's Tech3 from Moneycontrol, Rapido's Ownly emerges as the first serious challenger to the Swiggy-Zomato duopoly with its zero-commission food delivery model. We also explain why Swiggy picked former Myntra CEO Nandita Sinha to lead Instamart, why the government has asked Google to remove offline messaging apps including Bitchat, Briar and Bridgefy, and what Cognizant's latest earnings and guidance say about enterprise AI spending and the outlook for the global IT sector.

In today's Tech3 from Moneycontrol, we break down why the government is continuing to press Meta over the temporary removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Facebook video, Swiggy Instamart's appointment of former Myntra CEO Nandita Sinha to lead its quick commerce business, why venture capital firms are taking longer than ever to reach a final fund close, and how NPCI's upcoming privacy changes will make UPI payments more secure by masking phone numbers and promoting username-based UPI IDs.

In today's Tech3 from Moneycontrol, we break down why Zepto's investors are testing appetite for a lower IPO valuation, Temple's rare pre-launch ESOP buyback at nearly double its last valuation, what Ashiss Kumar Dash's appointment as Infosys CEO-designate means for the company's AI journey, and why IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti believes multiple NEET sessions could help prevent future exam paper leaks.

In today's Tech3 from Moneycontrol, we break down Infosys naming Ashiss Kumar Dash as CEO-designate and what the leadership transition means as the company doubles down on AI. We also look at why venture capital firms continue to back premium consumer brands, the pushback from smaller UPI apps against NPCI's proposed UPI Meta protocol, and why TCS has asked employees at its Delhi campus to temporarily work from its Noida and Gurugram offices amid student protests.

In today's Tech3 from Moneycontrol, we break down Eternal's June quarter earnings as quick commerce competition intensifies, explain why enterprise AI startup Ema is in talks to raise $80 million, look at Paytm's renewed push for Postpaid through UPI credit lines, and explore how the Greater Bengaluru Authority plans to use AI to modernise civic services and integrate citizen databases.

In today's episode, India's listed startups are raising over Rs 25,000 crore through QIPs instead of returning to private markets. We explain why institutional fundraising is becoming the preferred route after IPOs. Plus, why Narayana Murthy's family office is doubling down on manufacturing, what Skyroot's success says about India's deeptech funding landscape, Cognizant's potential billion-dollar healthcare deal, and why Forward Deployed Engineers are emerging as India's highest-paid AI professionals.

In this episode of Tech3, we unpack Skyroot Aerospace's next big ambition after its landmark orbital launch, why the government believes India has crossed the "psychological bridge" in semiconductors, what India's top IT companies are saying about demand, AI and hiring in Q2, and why investors are backing medicine delivery startup Plazza as quick commerce expands beyond groceries.

In today's episode of Moneycontrol Tech3, we break down how Norges and Motilal Oswal are shaping Zepto's IPO anchor book, why venture capital is pouring into India's AI startup ecosystem, what Google DeepMind's Manish Gupta means when he says India needs more startups like Sarvam AI and Emergent, and why MakeMyTrip has confidentially filed for a billion-dollar-plus India IPO.

In today's episode of Moneycontrol Tech3, we break down the Centre's new semiconductor strategy as it plans to take equity stakes in chip startups under the Rs 1.27 lakh crore India Semiconductor Mission 2.0. We also unpack the June quarter results of Wipro and Tech Mahindra, look at Bengaluru's new mandatory counselling sessions for traffic rule-violating gig workers, and explain why Ather Energy's Rs 1,300 crore QIP has attracted bids worth over Rs 10,000 crore.

On this episode of Tech3 from Moneycontrol we unpack how Groww has overtaken Angel One to become India's largest commodities derivatives platform, the government unveils a ₹1.28 lakh-crore India Semiconductor Mission 2.0, and AI startup Emergent joins Sarvam AI in the country's exclusive unicorn club. Plus, why crypto futures now dominate trading volumes, and the risks retail investors may be overlooking.

In today's Tech3 from Moneycontrol, we break down the ICC's reported first-ever startup investment in gaming company LightFury Games and what it could mean for cricket gaming. We also look at Zepto's premium grocery push with Zepto Select, Elevation Capital's new $500 million India-focused AI fund, and why TCS employees are still waiting for clarity on FY27 promotions even as the company prepares to relaunch its AI-focused Wings upskilling programme.

In today's Tech3 from Moneycontrol, we break down HCLTech's June quarter earnings, its Rs 3,500 crore data centre investment and hiring trends. We also look at Flipkart's planned Rs 700 crore Shadowfax stake sale, why the average UPI payment is shrinking as merchant transactions surge, MeitY's push for common username rules across messaging platforms, and why ITC Infotech has emerged as the frontrunner to acquire Happiest Minds.

Five years after the launch of the NIPUN Bharat Mission, where does India's ambitious drive for universal foundational literacy and numeracy stand? In this episode, we examine the mission's progress, achievements, and the challenges that remain as India works toward as India works towards realising its vision of becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047. Host Gaurav Choudhury speaks with Ishmeet Singh, CEO of Central Square Foundation, about why achieving strong foundational education by the end of Grade 3 is critical not just for future learning, but also for building the workforce of the future. Drawing on his leadership experience across business and the social sector, Ishmeet offers insights into one of the world's largest education reform initiatives and what it will take for NIPUN Bharat to succeed.

In today's Tech3 from Moneycontrol, we break down why TCS says AI may be the future of IT, but not yet a predictable revenue engine. We also look at Cactus Technology Solutions winning the Centre's AI procurement platform contract, how the FIFA World Cup is driving strong footfalls at multiplexes, and why Zetwerk's SEBI approval brings the manufacturing startup a step closer to its IPO.

How did the IITs become India's most prestigious educational institutions? Why did generations of IIT graduates leave for Silicon Valley, and why are so many now returning to build India's future? In this episode, Prabhat Kumar, author of IIT: The Story of India's Most Prestigious Educational Ecosystem, traces the remarkable journey of the IITs—from their founding in a newly independent India to their role in shaping the country's technology, entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem. Prabhat Kumar, who is also an Indian Revenue Services officer, sits with host Gaurav Choudhury and delves into a range of issues where global Indians can directly impact India's progress. Tune in!

In today's Tech3 from Moneycontrol, we unpack the Re 1 home services battle as Pronto, Snabbit and Urban Company's Insta Help spend aggressively to win customers. We also break down TCS' Q1 results and why AI is becoming the company's biggest growth engine, explain why Groww is introducing regular mutual funds alongside direct plans, and look at Fundamentum Partnership's new Rs 2,200 crore Fund III, anchored by Nandan Nilekani, with a sharp focus on AI application startups.

In today's Tech3 from Moneycontrol, we explain why domestic mutual funds are steadily increasing their stakes in Swiggy and Eternal, and what it could mean for the companies' quick commerce ambitions. We also bring you Xpressbees co-founder Amitava Saha's response to Delhivery's view on the future of India's logistics sector, look at how India has become the world's largest retail GCC hub, and unpack PhonePe's latest leadership reshuffle with Srijon Biswas taking over as CTO and co-founder Rahul Chari moving into an expanded Chief Product and Technology Officer role.

In today's Tech3 from Moneycontrol, we explain why Indian enterprises are increasingly choosing Chinese AI models like DeepSeek and Qwen over their US rivals. We also unpack Swiggy's move closer to Indian-owned company status and what it could mean for Instamart, look at Flipkart's latest ESOP buyback that values the company at $38.2 billion, and discuss Cult.fit's IPO plans. Plus, a quick update on Bengaluru-based spacetech startup GalaxEye, which has lost contact with its maiden Earth observation satellite, Mission Drishti, after a geomagnetic solar storm.

In today's Tech3 from Moneycontrol, Rapido co-founder Aravind Sanka explains why he believes India's food delivery market needs 100 million users and how the company plans to get there. We also preview what to expect from the Q1 earnings season for India's IT majors, unpack the government's growing scrutiny of Big Tech platform design, and explain why Apple is restoring credit and debit card payments for App Store and iCloud purchases in India after a five-year gap

Taking climate innovations to the market is a journey that many startups are unable to navigate alone. They struggle to access the resources needed to scale. That is where the Greenr Sustainability Accelerator Program by TechnoServe steps in. In this episode, host Gaurav Choudhury explores India's evolving green startup ecosystem with Ajay Menon, who is the driving force behind the Entrepreneurship Practice at TechnoServe India, serving as Senior Practice Lead and Program Director for the Greenr Sustainability Accelerator.The conversation reveals insights that don't often hit the headlines - the broadening definition of green business, the regions that are driving innovation and the growing urban waste management challenge that our cities can no longer ignore. Tune in!   

Europe's struggling auto industry is emerging as an unexpected headwind for Indian IT, with engineering giants like KPIT, LTTS and Tata Elxsi feeling the impact of delayed projects and cautious client spending. We explain why this matters for the broader tech services sector. Plus, MeitY launches a series of high-profile actions involving Meta, Tata Electronics and Chinese-linked e-rickshaw apps, signalling tougher regulatory oversight across cybersecurity, online safety and national security. We also look at CRED's leadership transition as interim CEO Miten Sampat says the fintech is profitable, well-capitalised and focused on growth after Kunal Shah's move to WhatsApp. And finally, HCLTech lands a massive $1.14 billion AI transformation deal, highlighting the next phase of enterprise AI adoption.

In today's episode of MC Tech3, we bring you four big stories shaping India's technology and startup ecosystem. Skyroot Aerospace announces the launch window for Vikram-1, India's first private orbital mission. Flipkart reveals that AI now generates nearly 40 percent of its code as it builds e-commerce-focused large language models. Sparrow Capital closes a Rs 475 crore third fund to back early-stage startups with bigger bets. And Meta introduces token-based pricing for AI-powered business services on WhatsApp from August 1.

WhatsApp is rolling out usernames globally, marking one of the biggest changes to the messaging app in years. But the feature has also raised questions around privacy, impersonation and scams, with the Indian government reportedly reviewing the rollout. We explain what the new system means for users. Also in this episode, PhysicsWallah's latest incentive programme is encouraging newly hired teachers to do more than just teach—they could earn up to ₹15 lakh by referring top-performing JEE and NEET students. We look at why the policy is attracting attention across India's coaching industry. Also, Virat Kohli-backed Agilitas is in talks to acquire Yuvraj Singh-backed Sports365, a move that could strengthen its ambitions in India's fast-growing sports retail market. Finally, KPIT Technologies saw its shares tumble nearly 16 percent after the company lowered its revenue growth guidance for the financial year, setting off concerns for other ER and D firms such as Tata Technologies and Tata E

In today's Tech3 from Moneycontrol, Amazon steps up its quick commerce play with one of its biggest customer acquisition campaigns yet, while Oyo returns to the IPO market with a revamped strategy and a cleaner balance sheet. We also look at the growing pains behind India's booming influencer economy, Swish's fresh fundraising talks, and hear directly from Persistent Systems CEO Sandeep Kalra and CFO Vinit Teredesai on the Nagarro acquisition, investor concerns and the company's global growth plans.

As the investment landscape rapidly transforms, understanding new opportunities is more critical than ever. In this episode of Wealth Architects, Mr. Saurabh Rungta, Deputy CEO & CIO - Centrum Wealth Limited, discusses how the investment universe has dramatically expanded beyond traditional assets like equities, fixed income, gold, and real estate. The conversation explores around: • The dramatic growth and diversification of investment options including private equity, private credit, global markets • Why wealthy families are moving from opportunistic investing toward structured, institutional-like wealth management via family offices • The burgeoning rise of family offices in India and how they help families consolidate assets and manage wealth with a behavioural and tax-efficient approach • The significant role of next-generation investors in transforming family wealth dynamics and expectations

In today's Tech3 from Moneycontrol, platform companies including Swiggy, Zepto and Urban Company challenge Karnataka's Gig Workers Act in the High Court. We also unpack Persistent Systems' EUR 1.27 billion acquisition of Nagarro, Zerodha's move into investment banking, the government's warning on the use of AI tools in official work, and how Prosus' India business grew in FY26 with PayU turning EBITDA positive.

This World MSME Day, Moneycontrol, in association with Federal Bank, brought together two entrepreneurs whose journeys span different industries but share a common thread: resilience. Subhash Agarwal, Chairman and Managing Director of Kaushalesh Group, has spent more than four decades in the steel business, while Vasu Anamalai, Managing Partner of SKS Industries, represents the second generation of a furniture manufacturing business that serves both corporate and government clients. Tune in to watch the full episode.

In today's Tech3 from Moneycontrol, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy announces a fresh $13 billion investment in India, taking the company's planned investments between 2026 and 2030 to $48 billion as it doubles down on AI, cloud and quick commerce. We also unpack the AI-led acquisition spree reshaping India's IT industry, revisit Kunal Shah's prolific journey as one of the country's most active angel investors before taking charge of WhatsApp, and explain how SEBI's proposed advertising code could change the rules for finance influencers with large social media followings.

In today's Tech3 from Moneycontrol, Meta's decision to put Kunal Shah at the helm of WhatsApp highlights just how important India has become to the messaging giant's future. We also look at why Amazon and Flipkart are taking their quick commerce battle beyond metros and into smaller cities, SEBI's proposal to classify influencers with over five lakh followers as celebrities, and the latest leadership shake-up at Swiggy Instamart as competition in quick commerce intensifies.

In today's Tech3 from Moneycontrol, we discuss why Kunal Shah's move to WhatsApp feels like a full-circle moment and what Meta expects from the Cred founder. We also look at India's AI hiring boom despite fears of disruption, why crypto exchanges are betting on tokenised US stocks, and why Infosys chairman Nandan Nilekani believes AI will amplify, not replace, IT services companies. Tune in for all this and more from the world of startups and technology.

In today's Tech3 from Moneycontrol, our scoop confirmed: Meta is investing around $900 million Cred and Cred's founder, Kunal Shah, will take over as global CEO of WhatsApp. We also unpack Sebi's new GARUDA framework that promises faster launches for venture capital funds and angel investors. They also discuss the five contenders shortlisted for the government's AI-powered tender drafting platform, why Big Tech hiring in India is becoming more selective despite continued growth, and Moneycontrol's report on Nandan Nilekani-backed Fundamentum Partnership preparing a new fund with a target corpus of Rs 1,800 crore to Rs 2,500 crore as investor appetite for growth-stage startups shows signs of returning.

India's real estate sector is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by rising property prices, evolving consumer expectations, and rapid advances in technology. At the center of this shift are platforms that are reimagining how people discover, evaluate, and purchase homes.In this episode of Unusual Suspects, Hitesh Singla, Co-founder and Chief Information Officer of Square Yards, joins Gaurav Choudhury to discuss emerging growth hotspots, the future of real estate, and how technology is transforming the homebuying journey from discovery to purchase. 

In today's episode of Moneycontrol Tech3, we unpack Reliance's push to make AI more affordable and accessible through a new suite of India-focused AI products, alongside strong growth ahead of a potential public listing. We also dive into Meta's talks to invest in Kunal Shah-led Cred at a valuation of around $4 billion and what that could mean for India's payments ecosystem. Plus, why India is becoming central to Meta's global AI infrastructure plans, and how L'Oréal's Rs 4,000 crore acquisition of Innovist could hand founders nearly Rs 1,800 crore and deliver bumper returns to early investors.

As India lays the groundwork to become a developed nation by 2047, it must nurture the individuals who will inhabit the future we are building today. That transformation begins at Anganwadi centres, empowering parents and teachers on the ground so that the children we raise today become the torchbearers of a developed India. Through AI and WhatsApp, Rocket Learning is making this education measurable, scalable, and sustainable.On this episode of Unusual Suspects, host Gaurav Choudhury sits down with Rocket Learning co-founders Namya Mahajan and Utsav Kheria to explore their journeys, what brought them together to build Rocket Learning, and why the time for such a movement is now.