5092: Bajaj Finance’s AI do-or-die year; India’s $300 million micro-drama moment; AI data centre startup Kluisz to raise $25 million from Greenoaks and others | MC Tech3

Donald Trump’s announcement of productive talks with Iran brings a much-needed, even if fragile break to war triggered upheavals in the economy. At the same time, the effects of war become more visible across sectors, from steel to real estate. Moneycontrol Eco Pulse Index shows India’s economy was humming along before the war struck. We unpack the impact of the crisis so far and what happens if it drags on. Also inside: IPL ownership race, HDFC Bank’s self examination and the Bajaj Finance strategy. Much more inside the day’s Moneycontrol Editor’s Picks.

In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, we unpack Bajaj Finance’s aggressive AI push and how it could reshape lending and operations. We also look at the rapid rise of India’s micro-drama market, set for explosive growth. Plus, Snowflake’s bet on simplifying enterprise AI adoption without large engineering teams. And finally, deeptech momentum continues as AI data centre startup Kluisz looks to raise fresh capital amid rising investor interest.

Rupee slips, Sensex recovers, and Accenture’s strong quarterly performance brings cheer. Our correspondents unravel the HDFC Bank story post the abrupt exit of its chairman, what the entry of generic weight loss drugs could mean for the Indian market and how the Iran war is coming closer to our pockets. Also inside: the new set of income tax rules from April 1st and the nagging worry in the fast growing digital payments sector. All this and more in the latest edition of Moneycontrol Editor’s Picks. Tune in!

In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, we unpack the delay in UPI subsidy payouts and what it means for fintech players. We also look at how FMCG giants are increasingly acquiring startups to drive growth and innovation. Plus, Accenture’s latest results offer a reality check for India’s IT sector, with AI-led but slower growth ahead. And finally, Flipkart’s CFO exits as the company gears up for a potential IPO.

As the market reacts to skyrocketing fuel costs, our correspondents unpack the implications for India’s energy needs and how the RELIEF scheme for exporters might soften the blow. Also inside: the deal that could be the largest in India’s consumer startup space, reasons behind former HDFC bank chairman’s resignation and what’s on the table as the SEBI board meets on Friday. All this and more in the latest edition of Moneycontrol Editor’s Picks.

India is finding ways to pay for critical imports amid the war in West Asia; supply chains are adjusting to the crisis; and despite the initial shock at restaurants over LPG scarcity, food deliveries have remained robust. Also find our reports on the Rupee’s trajectory, dealmaking in sports, how the government is pushing for capability in strategic sectors and the anticipation around Dhurandhar II. Tune in to Moneycontrol Editor’s Picks.

In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, we unpack how gig workers are managing steady earnings despite LPG shortages hitting restaurants. We also break down a Parliamentary panel’s concerns over funding cuts and execution delays in India’s AI and semiconductor push. Plus, the IPL’s creator economy is set to touch Rs 700 crore as influencer-led marketing surges. And finally, a look at SBI Mutual Fund increasing its stake in Urban Company even as other investors exit.

This is the story of how a bootstrapped fintech startup went on to challenge giants and even outpace them with an AI-native strategy. On this episode of AI Unplugged, SabPaisa co-founder and chief architect Abhimanyu Jha tells us about the journey of SabPaisa from its humble inception to its AI-native avatar that is giving payment giants a tough contest. Moneycontrol Journalists are not involved in creation of this article

In this edition of Moneycontrol Editor’s Picks our correspondents unpack India’s response to the energy crunch caused by the war in Iran and how the prolonged fighting has begun spilling into other sectors of the economy. Also inside: companies scramble to secure gas share, dealmaking continues, PLI scheme for mobile phones soon, trade talks slow down and box office pins its hopes on Dhurandhar sequel. Tune in for all this and more!

In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, we break down the high-stakes $2 billion bidding war for RCB between top investors, and how IPL teams are turning into premium assets. We also dive into Nvidia’s new AI coalition featuring India’s Sarvam and its $1 trillion chip demand projection. Plus, how West Asia tensions are pushing data centre investments toward India, and what the next phase of India’s PLI scheme could mean for electronics manufacturing.