5196: Kuku targets $360M IPO at $1.8B valuation; and Dhan wants to Groww the Gen Z investor pie and TCS among 6 firms picked for Govt AI projects | MC Tech3

India’s policymakers rolled out a coordinated push to strengthen the rupee and attract foreign capital, with the government easing tax rules for foreign investors and the RBI unveiling measures that could bring in up to $45 billion. Alongside the policy action, the RBI held rates steady while lowering growth forecasts and raising inflation expectations amid global uncertainties. We also unpack India’s resilient GDP growth, the latest developments at Tata Trusts, growing restrictions on gold ETF investments, fresh concerns over IT job scams, Bira91’s financial troubles, a major AI startup fundraising round, and SEBI’s push for stronger corporate governance.

AI startup Emergent is closing in on a $200 million funding round backed by investors including Amazon, Creaegis and Ranjan Pai’s Claypond Capital, potentially valuing the company at $1.5 billion. We also look at how Groww and Zerodha’s mutual fund businesses are scaling rapidly, why Pune’s alleged fake IT jobs scam is drawing calls for an SIT probe, and AirTrunk’s plans to invest $30 billion in India’s AI and cloud infrastructure by 2030. Tune in for the biggest developments shaping India’s startup, fintech, AI and technology ecosystem.

Corporate India’s accounting standards are under scrutiny after SEBI’s investigation into Rajesh Exports’ alleged Rs 15 lakh crore revenue misstatement. We examine the regulator’s findings, the reasons behind the reported inflation, the company’s investments, investor exposure and what the case means for market confidence. Also in focus: the National Housing Bank’s warning on loan classifications, the RBI policy decision, possible tax relief for foreign bond investors, booming SME IPOs, stronger exports, AI valuation concerns, and key developments in startups and investment banking.

In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, digital entertainment startup Kuku Technologies confidentially files for an IPO targeting a valuation of nearly $1.8 billion as microdramas and AI-led content creation fuel growth. We also look at Dhan’s new investing app Millions and its push to attract Gen Z investors, the government’s first empanelled list of AI vendors for public-sector projects, and Bengaluru-based quick commerce startup FirstClub raising $55 million to fund expansion. From IPOs and investing apps to AI policy and fresh funding, here are the biggest startup and tech stories of the day.

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.