India’s Online Gaming Rules: The Final Piece Falls Into Place
After more than a year of uncertainty, India’s online gaming industry is finally getting the clarity it has been waiting for. The government is set to notify the long-pending operational rules under the new online gaming law within the next 15 days, according to IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The rules will determine how platforms are licensed, monitored, and held accountable — a crucial step for an industry caught between explosive user growth and regulatory anxiety. With billions in capital and millions of gamers at stake, these rules could reshape the future of gaming startups, investors, and global players eyeing India.
Infosys Bets Big on AI and Young Talent With 20,000 Hires
At a time when the IT industry is wrestling with automation and slowing global tech spending, Infosys is sending a strong signal of confidence. CEO Salil Parekh announced that the company will hire 20,000 college graduates in FY27, doubling down on fresh talent as it pivots toward artificial intelligence-led services. The move highlights a strategic shift: while traditional IT services face pricing pressure, AI, cloud, and digital transformation are opening new growth avenues. By investing early in talent, Infosys is positioning itself to stay competitive in a world where AI will redefine how technology services are built and delivered.
Jacob & Co’s Opera Vantara: When Luxury Meets Conservation
Luxury watchmaker Jacob & Co has unveiled the Opera Vantara Green Camo, a timepiece that blends extreme craftsmanship with a powerful conservation message. Launched on January 21, 2026, the watch pays tribute to Vantara, India’s ambitious wildlife rescue initiative led by Anant Ambani. Known for its complex mechanics and artistic daring, the Opera collection now carries a deeper narrative — one that connects haute horlogerie with environmental responsibility. The watch’s green camouflage aesthetic symbolises the forests Vantara seeks to protect, proving that modern luxury is increasingly about purpose, storytelling, and values — not just price.
Shareholders Push Back: ESOPs Under the Spotlight
Newly listed startups are discovering that life in the public markets comes with tougher questions — especially around employee stock options. Institutional investors are increasingly voting against ESOP proposals at first AGMs, raising concerns about dilution, governance, and alignment of incentives. Companies like Groww, PhysicsWallah, Capillary Technologies, WeWork India, and Saatvik Green Energy have all faced notable pushback. The message is clear: public market investors want discipline, transparency, and performance-linked rewards, not legacy startup-era generosity. As India’s startup ecosystem matures, ESOPs are no longer just a talent tool — they are a governance test.
Eternal’s Leadership Reset: Albinder Dhindsa Takes Charge
In a leadership change that marks the end of an entrepreneurial era, Deepinder Goyal has stepped down as founder and Group CEO of Eternal. The board has named Blinkit CEO Albinder Dhindsa as his successor, pending shareholder approval. Goyal will remain Vice Chairman, staying closely involved in strategic decisions while freeing himself from daily execution. The transition signals Eternal’s shift from founder-led agility to professionalised leadership — a crucial evolution for a company operating at scale in the public markets. For Goyal, it also opens a new chapter, one that could redefine his role in India’s tech ecosystem.
Farewell to a Fashion Legend: Valentino Garavani (1932–2026)
The fashion world is mourning the loss of Valentino Garavani, the legendary designer who redefined elegance for more than six decades. Passing away at 93 in Rome, Valentino leaves behind a legacy stitched into history — from dressing royalty and First Ladies to creating iconic red-carpet moments. His signature red became a global symbol of glamour, power, and timeless beauty. More than a designer, Valentino was a storyteller who understood emotion, romance, and drama in fabric. As the industry races toward trends and technology, his work remains a reminder that true style is eternal.
