5134: Hormuz reopens, Indians feel franchise films fatigue & a new LPG pipeline project | MC Editor's Picks

SEBI is close to approving NSE’s settlement in long-running co-location and dark fibre cases, the Iran conflict is pushing India to revisit alternative fuel strategies like ethanol blending, concerns around the Strait of Hormuz remain contained for now. On the policy front, the proposed India-UK Bilateral Investment Treaty faces delays over tax-related disagreements. Also find inside our detailed coverage on Apple - Tim Cook’s fifteen year legacy, how India became a core manufacturing hub under his leadership and why Apple remains a top bet for investors, particularly Indian mutual funds. All this in today’s Moneycontrol Editor’s Picks.

In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, we track Apple’s leadership transition as John Ternus steps in as CEO. HCLTech reports a mixed Q4 with revenue and profit missing estimates amid weak demand. RuPay credit cards gain ground with UPI integration reshaping the payments landscape. And QNu Labs moves closer to real-world deployment of quantum communication networks for defence and enterprise use.

In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, we break down the TCS Nashik case as multiple FIRs trigger investigations and internal reviews. India’s data centre capacity surges, but gaps emerge for domestic cloud players. We also explain the rise of AI agents and what it means for enterprise software. And finally, Groww reports strong Q4 numbers with profit, user growth and new verticals driving momentum despite market volatility.

Investor sentiment improved as the Strait of Hormuz reopened for commercial shipping amid a fragile Israel–Lebanon ceasefire, easing concerns around oil supply disruptions. On the dealmaking front, KKR has revived plans to sell a controlling stake in Re Sustainability, while Brookfield India REIT has upsized its QIP to Rs 2,600 crore due to strong investor demand. Liberalised FDI norms are attracting global insurers again, the government is focusing on long-term resilience through a massive LPG pipeline project and franchise films are no longer drawing as many viewers to the theatre. All this and more in today’s edition of Moneycontrol Editor’s Picks.

In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, we break down Popo Ventures’ potential Rs 1,350 crore stake sale amid rising investor interest in premium F&B. Fintechs brace for dual compliance as RBI and DPDP rules converge. Netflix sees strong growth in Asia-Pacific, driven by live content and evolving strategies. And quick medicine delivery startup Plazza is in talks to raise $15 million, signalling rising competition in the hyperlocal healthcare space.

Flipkart is gearing up for a major pre-IPO funding round, engaging global investors to establish a strong valuation benchmark ahead of its public listing plans. At the same time, a Blackstone-led consortium is exploring innovative funding routes by tapping wealthy Indian investors to support its high-profile acquisition of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru franchise. Consumer demand trends are also shifting with an early and intense summer boosting sales of seasonal goods, though uneven temperature patterns are leading to fluctuating demand. Meanwhile, in Uttar Pradesh, rising worker productivity has not translated into better wages, as increasing labour supply and cost-of-living pressures continue to fuel discontent and protests. All this and more inside.

In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, Wipro reports mixed Q4 results with strong deal wins but cautious outlook. Flipkart explores a $2–2.5 billion pre-IPO round to set valuation benchmarks. Amazon’s $11 billion Globalstar deal signals a shift toward full-stack satcom control. Early summer drives a sharp spike in quick commerce demand. And TCS asks Nashik employees to work from home as the probe into workplace misconduct continues.

In today’s edition of Moneycontrol Editor’s Picks: Bhagwati Products Ltd has begun preparations for an IPO, markets rallied on easing crude prices and hopes of renewed US-Iran talks, investor confidence may take hit after Noida workers protest but Centre’s new rules under labour codes are likely to bring uniformity in wages. The Iran war’s long-term impact could disrupt global LPG supply for 3–4 years, pushing India to explore alternative sources. Meanwhile, a cooler summer in North India has raised concerns for AC makers, though demand in southern markets remains strong. More inside. Tune in!

In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, India’s retail trading boom shows signs of cooling as NSE sees a record drop in active investors. Vanguard picks Hyderabad over Bengaluru, signalling a shift in GCC location strategy. The TCS Nashik probe prompts industry-wide reviews of workplace safety systems. And Zolve expands beyond the US, pivoting to geographic diversification amid changing immigration trends and global uncertainty.

In this episode, presented by Moneycontrol in collaboration with GivingPi, host Gaurav Choudhury speaks to Anna and Raj about their grassroots, volunteer-led movement, aimed at solving for the hunger issue in the United States and mobilizing the Indian American community to respond. Since its inception in 2017, HungerMitao has enabled 80+ million meals through food banks across America. Why did the hunger issue in the US resonate with them, how did they map their journey from business to philanthropy, and what inspired their “give where you live” approach? Tune in to find out all this and more.