Paytm and its CEO, Vijay Shekhar Sharma, have settled an employee stock options (ESOPs) violations case with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the markets regulator said on Thursday. As part of settlement, Sharma has been prohibited from accepting fresh ESOPs from any listed company for three years, while Paytm and Sharma each paid ₹11.1 million, SEBI said.

Benchmark Computer Solutions received a ₹13.50 crore purchase order from TIH Foundation in Powai, Mumbai. The project involves supplying, installing and commissioning data centre infrastructure like GPU Nodes, CPU Nodes and storage servers, including co-location hosting. This domestic contract will be executed over 36 months from go-live date, representing significant achievement for Benchmark.

Veerkrupa Jewellers Ltd prepares a Draft Letter of Offer for a rights issue of fully paid-up equity shares (₹1 face value). The company plans to issue approximately 13.10 crore shares to raise up to ₹13.10 crore at ₹1 per share. The Rights Entitlement Ratio is 1:1. The record date and ISIN for rights entitlement will be announced later.

Markolines Pavement Technologies Ltd (MPTL), a company established in 2002, specialises in providing comprehensive highway operations and maintenance services. The company has received a work order worth ₹3.76 crore (exclusive of GST) from Beawar Pali Pindwara Tollway Pvt Ltd for pavement rectification works (Service Roads & MCW) at Section 1 to 4.

Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC) signed a 40-year agreement with City Gold Pipes Pvt Ltd for 150 million tons of limestone from its Lakhpat Punrajpur Mine in Kutch. This partnership supports City Gold Pipes' integrated cement plant, boosting industrial growth and creating jobs in the region. The initiative will also contribute significantly to Gujarat's revenue.

Artefact Projects Ltd, in association with Manglam Infra and Engineering Ltd and Renaissance IOT LLP, has been awarded a significant consultancy services project from NHAI for Supervision Consultant (SC) for operation and maintenance of the two-lane paved shoulder section of NH-565 between Vaggampatte and Dornata T-junction in Andhra Pradesh. The contract is worth ₹2.43 crore, excluding GST.

Humming Bird Education partners with Vama Sundari Investments (HCL Group) for national launch of HCL Jigsaw Assessment. This initiative aims to revolutionise critical thinking and problem-solving skills in Indian students. By integrating this assessment, it strengthens its position in educational innovation, fostering analytical reasoning, creativity and logical thinking - vital for 21st century.

Indian gaming startups are moving beyond betting, creating immersive, story-driven games across genres like battle royale, puzzles, and simulation. With titles like Indus, Hello Ludo, and Mumbai Gullies, companies like SuperGaming and GameEon are redefining gaming with cultural depth, global reach, and innovation in motion and casual gameplay.

India's startup sector is poised for major growth in 2025, driven by a 14% funding rebound and a 20-30% hiring surge. Startups are shifting recruitment to Tier-2/3 cities, layoffs have dropped 46%, and investor confidence is rising. With government support and focus on tech innovation, the ecosystem is set for a landmark year of expansion and job creation.

Privacy compliance and data governance startup GoTrust has raised $400,000 in pre-seed funding led by Aevitas Capital. The funds will aid product development, hiring, and expansion. GoTrust helps firms manage data protection with tools for consent, risk, and compliance tracking. Amid rising privacy regulations, GoTrust is positioned to support businesses with simple, scalable compliance solutions.