5226: Skyroot's orbital launch countdown, Flipkart's LLMs, Sparrow Capital's new fund & Meta's WhatsApp pricing shake-up | MC Tech3

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.