5011: Moneycontrol's real-time economy tracker, pre-Budget survey & the void in Maha politics

Moneycontrol Eco Pulse is now live. Our monthly index decoding the economy’s pulse through 30+ real-time indicators, a composite score and a dynamic heat map - tracking momentum, month after month is a ready-reckoner that keeps you on top like never before. In this edition of Moneycontrol Editor’s Picks also find our pre-Budget coverage in partnership with Deloitte. We have insights from experts on how India Inc is thinking ahead of the big day, and industry’s expectations from the government’s financial vision document. Policy, markets and corporate news - tune in right here for everything that made headlines today.

In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, we track Mithun Sacheti’s return to the jewellery sector as he explores a full acquisition of Orra Fine Jewellery. We also bring you Nandan Nilekani’s warning on AI misuse and the risk of public backlash, Zoho’s entry into the ERP market to challenge global giants, industry expectations from the Union Budget on semiconductors and AI, and Amazon’s decision to cut 16,000 jobs in its latest round of restructuring.

In this edition of Moneycontrol Editor’s Picks find our comprehensive coverage on the India-European Union FTA - from scale of export opportunities, winners and losers, and consumer impact - we have you covered on all angles of this big development. Meanwhile, a Moneycontrol economists poll ahead of the Union Budget shows that uncertainties contributed by erratic US foreign policy have cast a shadow over positive trade developments. In other news, we report on India’s soaring chip ambitions, why Ericsson’s bullish on India and why increasing capital gains tax could send FPI’s packing. Tune in!

In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, we break down India’s ambitious semiconductor roadmap that targets 3nm and 2nm chip manufacturing under Semicon 2.0, and what it means for the startup ecosystem. We also look at how the next phase of Global Capability Centres will depend on Tier-2 city expansion and state-level execution. Plus, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei’s warning on powerful AI systems and the risks they pose. And finally, how the India–EU FTA could reshape electronics exports and global supply chains.

As WEF wraps up in Davos, Moneycontrol gets you the latest despatches from the event - find interviews with Infosys CEO Salil Parekh, Paolo Dal Cin (global lead for cybersecurity at Accenture) and Karnataka IB Minister MB Patil. In other news - the pressure continued on Indian stocks and the Rupee, local family run jewellery stores are feeling a liquidity squeeze, learn about the sweat and blood that went into making of the India-EU trade deal and how Ixigo was an unlikely gainer from IndiGo’s crisis. Also inside: an interview with Zoho’s Sridhar Vembu. Tune in!

In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, we bring you the biggest startup and technology stories shaping the day. Juspay becomes 2026’s first unicorn after a $50 million funding round, signalling renewed momentum in fintech. Infosys outlines its plan to hire 20,000 fresh graduates in FY27, even as AI reshapes IT services. Accenture announces a new physical AI security lab in Bengaluru. And from Kumbakonam, we report on Zoho’s expansion plans and the launch of its AI-native ERP platform.

As one of India’s largest employers, the micro small and medium enterprises have a big impact. They have a significant share in India’s exports and play a vital role in global supply chains. While domestic MSMEs are striving to rise to their full potential, global uncertainty makes this actualization a challenge. On this episode of Unusual Suspects, host Gaurav Choudhury is joined by Easwaran Subramanian, Partner, Deloitte India to discuss how Budget 2026 can address the needs of India’s MSME sector. Tune in for ideas ranging from AI-assisted collateral free lending to creating economies of scope via globally competitive clusters and much more.

Moneycontrol gets an exclusive scoop from US President Donald Trump, Ashwinin Vaishnaw upbeat about strong investor sentiment for India-led AI, investors keenly monitor progress on India-EU trade talks, newly listed startups face shareholder scrutiny and Eternal’s earnings deliver a twist few investors were prepared for. Catch all this and more news in the latest edition of Moneycontrol Editor’s Picks.

In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, we track the biggest startup and tech stories shaping the day. From Davos, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw speaks on India–US trade talks, AI investments, online gaming rules and India’s ambitions in semiconductors and artificial intelligence. We also bring you voices from top IT leaders on how AI is changing business models and hiring. Plus, a deep dive into PhonePe’s IPO numbers and why newly listed tech firms are facing shareholder resistance on ESOP plans.

After a year of long-pending reforms – from an overhaul of GST to new labour codes – the industry is looking forward to a 2026 spurred by the same momentum. Days ahead of the Budget which will be presented amid global trade turbulence and geopolitical tensions, Indian companies hope for a policy boost to exports through structural reforms to the customs duty framework. In this conversation with Rajat Bose, Partner, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co, host Gaurav Choudhury examines the current trade realities and interventions that can mobilise the space. Tune in to Unusual Suspects for insights into what to expect and what to look for in the Budget 2026-27.