5171: Indian banks vs Apple Pay; Rapido outruns Uber; regional creators boom; TCS hikes sting some

India’s economy is entering a more uncertain phase, with expectations of future RBI rate hikes building amid high crude prices, a weakening rupee and sticky inflation. Even so, manufacturing, exports and rural demand are showing signs of resilience. Markets remain expensive despite the recent correction, while companies are avoiding price hikes for fear of hurting demand and profitability. Swiggy’s restructuring plans have run into shareholder resistance, highlighting growing governance scrutiny in the startup sector. Stress is also emerging in lending and energy markets, with tighter credit policies, falling coal inventories and rising dependence on gold loans reflecting caution across the economy.

In today’s Tech3 by Moneycontrol, GIC doubles down on India’s space-tech startup Pixxel even as Deepinder Goyal exits the ongoing funding round. We also break down why Swiggy failed to secure shareholder approval for its IOCC transition and what that means for Instamart’s future. Plus, TCS improves variable payouts while delaying parts of its Wings upskilling programme amid a broader AI-led workforce recalibration. And finally, LTIMindtree announces a $186 million acquisition of Randstad’s technology and consulting business across key global markets as it expands its AI and digital engineering capabilities.

In today’s Tech3 by Moneycontrol, Deepinder Goyal’s experimental wearable-tech startup Temple picks Zetwerk and Ethereal Machines to scale manufacturing as it prepares to move from hundreds to thousands of devices. We also track travel fintech startup Scapia’s fresh $63 million fundraise and why Gen Z travellers are becoming a major business opportunity. Plus, Kerala and Tamil Nadu create dedicated AI-focused ministries, signalling how states are treating artificial intelligence as a governance and economic priority. And finally, Nykaa and Honasa Consumer post strong quarterly growth as India’s beauty and personal care market continues expanding.

As elevated energy prices ripple through the economy, Tata Steel says rising freight costs are forcing it to rethink raw material sourcing even as its European operations remain profitable. Mutual funds, meanwhile, are turning increasingly bullish on India’s manufacturing story, raising exposure to capital goods companies to a 17-month high. The rupee’s sharp fall is failing to boost exports meaningfully, keeping pressure on India’s trade deficit and current account concerns alive. Banks and IT companies are also tightening costs through work-from-home policies and revamped compensation structures amid a broader push for austerity. And finally, PM Modi’s gift of Melody toffees to Georgia Meloni triggered a stock market rally for the wrong company. Tune in for all this and more.

In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, we unpack why salary hikes in India’s IT sector are no longer translating into higher take-home pay as companies redesign compensation structures under the new labour code. We also break down the latest earnings from Lenskart and Ola Electric, where profitability and growth are moving in very different directions. Plus, Google I/O 2026 puts AI agents at the centre of its future product strategy with major Gemini announcements. And finally, India’s Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance meets Binance, WazirX and ZebPay to discuss crypto regulation, taxation and the future of virtual digital assets in the country.

Indian markets are falling and this is changing India’s position in global market-cap rankings. For the first time in many years, no Indian company is in the world’s top 100 firms by market value. Last year, India had three companies there but now the number has dropped further. Groww promoters sold a small stake and may use the money for investments and philanthropy. Tech firms like TCS and Infosys are cutting bonuses due to AI-led disruption. BMW India plans to raise car prices as costs and currency pressures rise. Find all this and more in the latest edition of Moneycontrol Editor’s Picks.

In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, India loses its place in the global top 100 market-cap leaderboard as IT giants TCS and Infosys slide sharply. Groww founders see their first major liquidity event in nearly a decade after the IPO lock-in expiry. The government plans a 360-degree startup and innovation database to track founders, funding, patents and incubators. And Unacademy’s test-prep CEO Sumit Jain exits ahead of the company’s proposed merger with upGrad. Plus, breaking news on India’s Parliamentary Finance Panel meeting crypto platforms including Binance, WazirX and ZebPay.

India’s corporate sector is preparing for a more challenging financial environment as rising debt costs, a weakening rupee and global uncertainty begin affecting businesses across industries. The Adani Group and SP Group are refinancing massive debt obligations, while companies like Apple and Oppo are facing hurdles in expanding operations in India. Employees at major IT firms such as TCS are also feeling the pressure through lower variable pay and modest salary hikes. Meanwhile, the falling rupee and rising fuel prices continue to strain oil companies and inflation outlooks. The story also highlights India’s renewed focus on coal gasification and long-term energy security. Find all this and more in the latest edition of Moneycontrol Editor’s Picks.

In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, Apple Pay’s India launch gets delayed as banks and Apple clash over transaction fees. Rapido races ahead of Uber and Ola with its bike-first and super app strategy. Brands increasingly turn to regional creators as Bharat-focused campaigns gain traction. And TCS employees report mixed outcomes in the latest appraisal cycle, with average hikes, restructuring changes and concerns over reduced pay.

India is currently witnessing one of the largest intergenerational wealth transfers in its history. This complex handover process necessitates a shift from informal wealth management to structured, legally sound frameworks. On this episode of Unusual Suspects, Ashish Nasa, MD & CEO, Universal Trustees offers his insightful and actionable perspective for modern wealth creators. Nasa, who is a distinguished voice in the world of wealth management, estate planning, and fiduciary services, sits down with host Gaurav Choudhury to help listeners navigate wealth transfers - from creation, and preservation to succession. Tune in!