5186: Rising pub culture, gaming industry shifts, Korean ramen brands target Indian consumers

This edition of Moneycontrol Editor’s Picks tracks key business and technology developments, from the RBI's rate expectations and Anthropic’s Mythos push in India to Zepto’s IPO plan. We also examine record tyre exports, shifting energy trade routes, AI’s growing influence on markets and government procurement, rising use of confidential IPO filings, and Bengaluru GenZ’s preference for buses over other travel modes. Also check out an insightful extract on China’s strategic thinking from Vijay Gokhale’s latest book hosted on our website.

In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, Accel begins work on a new India-focused fund worth up to $700 million, signalling continued investor confidence in the startup ecosystem. We also break down why AI funding in India is shifting sharply toward seed and Series A startups even as overall funding slows. Plus, the government explores using AI to draft tenders and procurement documents, and Anthropic opens access to its cybersecurity-focused Mythos AI model for organisations in India. From venture capital to AI policy and cyber defence, here are the top startup and tech stories shaping the day.

Adani Airports locked in revenue share battle, Unilever’s keeping a keen eye on India, global market-cap rankings under pressure, Madhya Pradesh to raise Rs 200 crore via temple bonds, apparel retailers roll out unseasonal sales, luxury car market expands beyond metros, and travellers look to Southeast Asia for holidays. Also inside: an interesting interpretation of “cousin” in corporate governance, India-Oman trade deal could help secure fertilizers, Noel Tata’s pushback against funding request for Tata’s digital business, and MC Pro research on whether FIIs have written off India or are planning a return. Tune in for all this and more in the day’s edition of Editor’s Picks.

In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, we look at why India’s biggest cities continue to dominate UPI transactions despite the payment system’s nationwide reach. We also break down how electric two-wheeler makers Ola Electric and Ather Energy are shifting the conversation from market share to margins, cash flow and profitability. Plus, the government is working on a unified cyber response framework as AI accelerates the speed of cyberattacks. And finally, Indian IT stocks are making a comeback, with investors increasingly viewing AI as a growth opportunity rather than a disruption risk for software and IT services companies.

Noel Tata writes to RBI explaining why Tata Sons listing could be detrimental to the holding company’s mission. Aditya Birla Renewables may have emerged as the front-runner to acquire Shell Plc’s Indian renewable energy platform Sprng Energy. Madhya Pradesh government’s experiment with faith financing could draw investors into temple redevelopment programs. Meanwhile, India’s airlines are trying to expand abroad, but geopolitical turbulence is making that task tougher. And finally, RCB’s win may introduce a new crop of brand ambassadors with Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya becoming two of the IPL's biggest commercial beneficiaries. Tune in for all this and more on this episode of Editor’s Picks with Nalin Mehta.

In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, we unpack the growing debate between global and domestic investors on India’s AI future and what it will take to create the country’s next big AI winner. We also look at Coinbase’s renewed India push, why the global crypto exchange is treating India as its top growth market in Asia-Pacific, and how it plans to expand. Plus, why NPCI’s UPI Help platform is seeing nearly a million subscription cancellations a month, and what that says about India’s recurring payments ecosystem. And finally, HCLTech faces a setback as Xerox prepares to shift part of its BPM operations in-house, potentially impacting employees.

Despite tensions in West Asia, business activity in India remains strong. Global investors are exploring fresh deals, India Inc has posted its strongest revenue growth in years, and rising fuel prices are pushing more buyers towards electric vehicles. At the same time, AI-driven demand is boosting global chipmakers, GCC hiring is becoming more skill-focused, and affluent Indians are increasingly using AI concierge apps for daily tasks. From monsoon worries and inflation risks to banking probes and tech-driven consumer trends, here’s a simple look at the biggest business developments shaping India right now. Tune in for all this and more on this episode of Editor’s Pick with Nalin Mehta.

In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, we unpack the rise of AI concierge startups that want to handle everything from travel bookings to household chores with a simple prompt. We also look at Anthropic’s massive $65-billion funding round, which is larger than all the money Indian startups have raised since 2022. Plus, why GCC hiring in India is becoming more selective as demand for AI talent rises, and how a Delhi High Court ruling on Google Ads and trademark bidding could reshape digital advertising strategies across sectors.

India is creating more wealth than ever before. But preserving that wealth across generations requires far more than market returns.In this episode of Wealth Architects, Rohit Sarin, Co-founder of Client Associates, discusses the rise of institutional family wealth in India - from family offices and succession planning to behavioural investing and long-term capital preservation.

India’s gaming industry is facing fresh uncertainty after the Supreme Court upheld massive retrospective tax demands, while consumer spending at bars, pubs and online platforms is picking up again. Korean ramen brands are expanding aggressively in India as the Korean wave grows stronger. Meanwhile, the West Asia crisis is affecting poultry exports, global tech listings are drawing Indian investors towards Wall Street, and AI is rapidly reshaping the future of edtech. From luxury retail expansion to wellness-driven manufacturing growth, here’s a simple breakdown of the latest business, economy and technology trends shaping India. Tune in for all this and more on this episode of Editor’s Pick.