business 12 - The Latremie Post

Gold Prices Climb ₹171 To ₹1,12,800 Per 10 Grams In Domestic Futures Market, Silver Declines ₹400

New Delhi: Gold prices climbed by Rs 171 to reach Rs 1,12,800 per 10 grams in the domestic futures market on Friday, despite a largely flat trend in the overseas market. Meanwhile, silver pulled back from its record peak, declining by Rs 400 to Rs 1,36,656 per kilogram.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold for October delivery rose Rs 171, or 0.15%, to Rs 1,12,800 per 10 grams in a turnover of 2,834 lots. Similarly, the December contract traded higher by Rs 56, or 0.05%, at Rs 1,13,927 per 10 grams in 13,573 lots.

In contrast, silver eased after scaling fresh records in the previous session. The December contract fell Rs 400, or 0.29%, to Rs 1,36,656 per kilogram in 17,462 lots. The white metal had touched a record high of Rs 1,37,530 per kg on Thursday.

The March 2026 contract also slipped Rs 351, or 0.25%, to Rs 1,38,051 per kg in 2,216 lots after hitting an all-time high of Rs 1,38,847 per kg in the previous session.

Globally, gold futures for December delivery rose 0.15% to USD 3,776.90 per ounce, while silver futures were trading 0.21% lower at USD 45.02 per ounce. On Thursday, silver had climbed to hover near a 14-year high of USD 45.50 per ounce.

Commodities market experts said upbeat US macroeconomic data released on Thursday fueled uncertainty over the pace of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, helping the dollar stay near a three-week high. This, in turn, limited gains in gold prices.

They added that the downside for gold may remain cushioned as traders await the release of the US personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index—the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge—for policy cues and near-term direction for bullion prices. The data will confirm whether the US Federal Reserve (Fed) will remain on track for two rate cuts this year.

Experts also noted that renewed concerns over the economic fallout from US President Donald Trump’s fresh tariffs on a wide range of imports, along with rising geopolitical tensions, are likely to keep safe-haven demand intact.

“Persistent geopolitical risks and festive demand in Asia could lend support to gold at lower levels,” an expert said.

*Disclaimer: This story is from a syndicated feed. Nothing has changed except the headline.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/gold-prices-climb-171-to-112800-per-10-grams-in-domestic-futures-market-silver-declines-400

APU leads ASEAN-record Great Malaysia AI Hackathon 2025

**Hackathon Showcased Malaysia’s Rising AI Talent for the Digital Economy**

The Great Malaysia AI Hackathon 2025, hosted by the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) in collaboration with Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Amazon Web Services (AWS), successfully highlighted Malaysia’s growing strength in cultivating AI talent for the digital economy. Officially recognised by ASEAN Records as the largest on-site AI hackathon jointly organised by academia and industry in the region, the event took place on 20 September 2025 at APU’s Technology Park Malaysia campus.

The hackathon attracted a total of 1,741 participants, comprising 1,547 students and 194 industry professionals, representing over 50 institutions. Notably, Malaysian students based at Durham and Cambridge Universities also took part, showcasing the broad reach and impact of the event.

With 20 industry mentors providing guidance and a prize pool of US$26,000 (RM110,000), the hackathon not only set a new record but also underscored Malaysia’s ambition to become a key player in the digital economy through AI innovation.

**Minister Launches Event Emphasising AI’s Importance**

The event was officially launched by Minister of Digital, Gobind Singh Deo, who highlighted the transformative role of AI in society and industry. “AI is already transforming the way we live and work. It starts with data, which must be digitised, stored and shared effectively—supported by computing power to create meaningful solutions,” he said.

He congratulated APU and its partners for their efforts and added, “With our infrastructure, ecosystem, and your creativity, Malaysia can become not just a digital nation, but an AI nation by 2030.”

**APU CEO Highlights Collaborative Effort and Global Leadership**

Datuk Parmjit Singh, CEO of APU, emphasised the collaboration behind the event’s success. “This hackathon reflects the synergy between AWS, APU, and MDEC. The overwhelming response shows the hunger for innovation,” he stated.

He also highlighted APU’s global standing: “With over 16,000 students from 130 countries, we continue to lead in digital education, being among the first in the region to offer a degree in Cloud Engineering.”

“This pioneering spirit, together with our partnership with AWS, reflects our shared vision of empowering the next generation of cloud-ready and AI-focused talent,” Datuk Parmjit added.

**AWS Applauds Talent and Increases Sandbox Credits**

Peter Murray, Head of Asia Pacific and Japan Go-to-Market at AWS, praised the participants as “the future tech leaders of Malaysia, driving AI forward.” During the event, he announced an increase in AWS sandbox credits from US$50 (RM210) to US$100 (RM420), encouraging participants to “think big, build bold, and push ideas further.”

Participants also had access to AWS services such as Amazon Bedrock and Amazon Q, enabling them to leverage cutting-edge AI and cloud technologies throughout the hackathon.

**Supported by Industry and Tech Partners**

The hackathon was supported by MDEC’s Premier Digital Tech Institutions initiative and brought together industry mentors, technology partners, and sponsors including AxrailAI, Crayon, eCloudValley, and GitLab.

The event featured insightful Tech Talks, networking opportunities, and cross-sector collaboration, fostering an environment of innovation and knowledge sharing.

**Malaysia’s Ambition as an AI Powerhouse**

The Great Malaysia AI Hackathon 2025 reinforced Malaysia’s position as a digital frontrunner in the ASEAN region. Setting a benchmark for hackathons, the event showcased the nation’s commitment to becoming an AI powerhouse by 2030.

For APU, AWS, and MDEC, this milestone event marks a significant step in shaping the future of technology in Southeast Asia and nurturing the next generation of AI and cloud computing talent.
https://www.digitalnewsasia.com/digital-economy/apu-leads-asean-record-great-malaysia-ai-hackathon-2025

Why Japan Trails the US in Hectocorns

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry will revise its investment contract guidelines by the end of September to explicitly allow mergers and acquisitions (M&A) as an exit option alongside initial public offerings (IPOs). This marks a significant shift from the traditional approach in Japan, where venture capital firms have primarily required startups to pursue IPOs, shaping the country’s startup ecosystem.

Akiyo Iriyama, a professor at Waseda University specializing in corporate strategy, explained that while startups worldwide generally exit through either IPOs or M&A, Japan has long relied almost exclusively on IPOs. In contrast, more than 90 percent of U.S. startups are acquired through M&A, with IPOs accounting for less than 10 percent.

As a result, Japanese startups often go public at much smaller valuations—sometimes as low as a few billion yen in market capitalization—long before reaching unicorn scale. This partly explains why Japan has so few unicorns compared with the U.S., where startups often raise multiple funding rounds and delay IPOs until valuations reach 1 trillion yen or more.

One structural reason for this difference is the relative ease of listing in Japan. The Tokyo Stock Exchange has historically maintained lenient conditions, allowing relatively young startups with modest valuations to go public. While this system has provided early returns to founders and investors, it has also led to the phenomenon known as “IPO goal”—startups going public early and then stalling in growth.

Many founders, after securing wealth through IPOs, lose the incentive to aggressively scale their companies. Iriyama stressed that while IPOs are not inherently negative—having produced visible role models for aspiring entrepreneurs—Japan needs more pathways to sustain growth beyond early listing. If listing requirements remain too easy, startups tend to stop growing at an early stage. He argued for stricter standards and more diversified exit strategies.

Another factor influencing this dynamic is the scale of funding. Japanese venture capital tends to offer smaller amounts with shorter investment horizons, often pushing startups to list quickly. By contrast, in the U.S., startups may raise round after round—sometimes even through Series H—without listing.

To compete globally, Japanese startups require not only longer-term domestic capital but also greater inflows of overseas investment. Iriyama expressed cautious optimism, noting that foreign venture capital funds have previously invested in Japan at a much larger scale, often with one extra zero compared with domestic firms. Such capital could enable the growth of deep-tech companies requiring years of development.

However, he also warned that overseas funds can be quick to pull back when markets turn. “Foreign investors can bring in large amounts of capital, but their exit can be just as fast,” he said, recalling a period when international funds rapidly withdrew from Japan.

As the government pushes reforms and venture capital practices evolve, the central question remains whether Japan can foster startups that not only go public but also scale into the kind of global giants increasingly defining the modern economy.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/147018.php

India’s journey toward becoming a $35 trillion powerhouse by 2047 hinges on our ability to scale manufacturing sector: Geetanjali Vikram Kirloskar

The 20th CII Manufacturing Summit convened top industry leaders, policymakers, and global experts to redefine India’s manufacturing roadmap. With the sector contributing 17% to GDP, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) reaffirmed its commitment to help achieve the long-standing 25% GDP target—a crucial step toward India’s goal of becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse.

Amardeep Singh Bhatia, IAS, Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, shared in his address, “The remarkable achievement of ₹14 lakh crore in production and ₹5.3 lakh crore in exports has created over 11.5 lakh jobs. This is not just a number; it represents the livelihoods, aspirations, and economic momentum that drives our nation forward. The expansion of our manufacturing portfolio and the rise of mobile phone exports—crossing ₹1.29 lakh crore since 2014—demonstrate India’s capability to compete globally. However, while our manufacturing exports are growing, they still lag behind services exports, signalling an opportunity for transformation.”

Jamshyd N Godrej, Past President, CII; Chairman, CII Manufacturing Summit 2025; and Chairman & Managing Director, Godrej & Boyce Mfg Co Ltd, underscored the urgency of India’s manufacturing evolution:
“The global landscape will not wait for India to catch up. For decades, we have spoken of a 25% GDP share for manufacturing, yet the goalpost continues to shift. Meanwhile, entrepreneurs in Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand are launching products in six months, setting benchmarks we must aspire to meet and surpass.”

Beyond competitiveness, Godrej emphasized the need for inclusivity, particularly women’s leadership in manufacturing:
“True transformation will come when more women step into decision-making roles, shaping the future of this industry. While government support remains crucial, the real driving force will be the bold vision of MSMEs, startups, and corporate leaders who push boundaries and challenge conventions.”

Geetanjali Vikram Kirloskar, Chairperson & Managing Director, Kirloskar System Ltd, framed the economic stakes:
“Manufacturing is the backbone of any great economy, and India’s journey toward becoming a $35 trillion powerhouse by 2047 hinges on our ability to scale this sector. Today, at $600 billion, our manufacturing industry represents immense potential—one that must expand beyond 25% of GDP to truly drive national growth.”

Kirloskar also highlighted the critical importance of supply chain and logistics infrastructure:
“In the pursuit of making India a global manufacturing powerhouse, we must recognize that our strength is only as strong as the backbone that supports it—our supply chain and logistics infrastructure. A robust, agile, and resilient supply chain is not just a facilitator; it is a fundamental driver of disruptive innovation and competitiveness in manufacturing.”

Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), shared a powerful vision:
“India stands at the crossroads of an industrial revolution—one that will define our economic destiny for generations to come. While we celebrate our progress, we must also confront the challenges ahead with unwavering resolve. To transform India from a $3.7 trillion economy to a $30–35 trillion powerhouse by 2047, manufacturing must claim its rightful place—contributing at least 25% to our GDP. This is not just an economic necessity; it is a national imperative.”

He also emphasized that achieving this vision will require more than just rapid growth:
“It will demand bold policy reforms, relentless innovation, and an industry-wide commitment to excellence. The future belongs to those who dare to build it—let this summit be the catalyst that shapes India’s journey to becoming a global manufacturing leader.”

Swati Salgaocar, Chairperson, CII Western Region & President, V M Salgaocar and Brothers Pvt Ltd, highlighted India’s strategic shift:
“India is not an emerging player in manufacturing; it is an evolving powerhouse. We have a strong foundation, and our trajectory is clear: from 17% to 25% of GDP in manufacturing. This gap is not a deficit—it is an open field of opportunity. The question is not just how much we manufacture, but how we do it. Our success will be defined by our ability to embrace intelligent, sustainable, and technologically advanced production models.”

Abheek Singhi, Chair of Practices, Managing Director & Senior Partner, BCG, outlined the need for a fundamental transformation in manufacturing:
“In an era where sustainability is no longer a choice but an imperative, manufacturing must evolve to integrate cutting-edge technology. The fusion of geopolitical realities, digital transformation, and sustainability will define the next industrial revolution. Our ability to scale manufacturing while remaining environmentally conscious is the challenge of our time.”

Summing up the Inaugural Session, Sunil Chordia, Past Chairman, CII Western Region & Chairman, CII WR Sub-Committee on Manufacturing and Chairman & Managing Director, Rajratan Global Wire Ltd, emphasized:
“Progress is not driven by conversations alone; it is propelled by action. As we stand at this turning point, let’s seize the moment—collaborate, innovate, and build a manufacturing ecosystem that is resilient, sustainable, and future-ready. Together, we will establish India as a global manufacturing leader.”

As India moves towards its $35 trillion economy vision by 2047, manufacturing will be at its core. The 20th CII Manufacturing Summit reinforced the need for bold leadership, strategic investment, and policy-driven innovation to establish India as a global manufacturing leader.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/corporate-gallery/indias-journey-toward-becoming-a-35-trillion-powerhouse-by-2047-hinges-on-our-ability-to-scale-manufacturing-sector-geetanjali-vikram-kirloskar

This baseball league will use robot umpires from next season

Tilray-Aktie kämpft mit erheblichen operativen Herausforderungen

Das Kerngeschäft von Tilray in Kanada gerät derzeit unter starken Druck. Ein Streik in British Columbia hat eine wichtige Vertriebsachse lahmgelegt und wirft neue Schatten auf die kurzfristigen Geschäftsaussichten des Cannabis-Konzerns.

Lieferkette unter Druck

In British Columbia eskaliert ein Arbeitskampf der BC General Employees Union (BCGEU), der Tilray besonders hart trifft. Der Streik führte zur vorübergehenden Schließung des Cannabis-Distributionszentrums der BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB). Bis auf Weiteres können keine Cannabis-Bestellungen angenommen, zusammengestellt oder verschickt werden.

Diese Unterbrechung eines zentralen Vertriebskanals schafft erhebliche operative Hürden für Cannabis-Produzenten wie Tilray. Der Ausfall des LDB-Systems trifft die Umsatzströme aus einem der großen kanadischen Märkte direkt und bringt konkrete Herausforderungen für das Unternehmen mit sich.

Volatilität nimmt zu

Der Markt hat bereits auf diese operativen Schwierigkeiten reagiert. Die Tilray-Aktie zeigt ihre charakteristische Volatilität, und Investoren bewerten nun ein konkretes Risiko für die Performance im Heimatmarkt – unabhängig von den breiteren Sektortrends.

Die Aktie notiert derzeit deutlich unter ihrem 52-Wochen-Hoch. Dieser neue Gegenwind fügt der Marktperformance eine weitere Komplexitätsebene hinzu.

Diversifizierung als Gegenstrategie

Parallel zu den Problemen im Cannabis-Geschäft treibt Tilray seine Diversifizierungsstrategie im Getränkesektor voran. Das Unternehmen stellte kürzlich eine neue Palette an Herbst-Craft-Bieren vor und unterstreicht damit sein Engagement, Non-Cannabis-Umsätze weiter auszubauen.

Die neuen, Oktoberfest-inspirierten Produkte umfassen unter anderem:

Atwater Brewery’s Bloktober Fest
Blue Point Brewing’s Oktoberfest
Breckenridge Brewery’s Oktoberfest
Terrapin Beer Company’s Oktoberfest
Widmer Brothers’ Okto Festive Ale

Kann diese Strategie die aktuellen Probleme kompensieren?

Die operative Störung in British Columbia zeigt deutlich, wie verwundbar das Kerngeschäft von Tilray nach wie vor ist. Die Diversifizierungsbemühungen mögen langfristig greifen, kurzfristig bleibt die Abhängigkeit vom Cannabis-Geschäft jedoch das dominierende Risiko.

Two US giants appoint Indian-origin CEOs as H-1B debate intensifies

**Two US Giants Appoint Indian-Origin CEOs as H-1B Debate Intensifies**

*By Mudit Dube | Sep 24, 2025, 02:14 PM*

In a significant development, two prominent US companies, T-Mobile and Molson Coors, have appointed Indian-origin executives as their new CEOs. Srinivas Gopalan will take over as CEO of T-Mobile on November 1, while Rahul Goyal will assume the same position at Molson Coors on October 1.

These appointments come amid an ongoing debate over President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications, a move that has generated concern among professionals and companies reliant on high-skilled migration.

**Srinivas Gopalan: From COO to CEO at T-Mobile**

Currently serving as T-Mobile’s Chief Operating Officer, Srinivas Gopalan will succeed Mike Sievert as the company’s next CEO. Sievert will transition into a newly created management role as Vice Chairman.

Gopalan is an alumnus of Delhi Public School RK Puram and the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad. He began his career at Unilever India before moving to Accenture. Over the years, he has held senior leadership positions at Vodafone, Bharti Airtel, Capital One, and Deutsche Telekom in Germany.

**Rahul Goyal: A Veteran Leader at Molson Coors**

Rahul Goyal, who has been with Molson Coors since 2001, will replace Gavin Hattersley as CEO of the multinational drinks and brewing company headquartered in Chicago.

Goyal has held several key leadership roles within the organization, including Global CIO and CFO for the India business. He graduated from the University of Mysore and the University of Denver. His expertise in global strategy and operations is expected to help Molson Coors navigate evolving consumer trends and rising trade tariffs in the US market.

**H-1B Visa Fee Proposal Sparks Concern**

The appointments of Gopalan and Goyal come at a time when the Trump administration’s controversial proposal to impose a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications has unsettled many Indian IT professionals—the majority of current H-1B recipients.

This policy has created uncertainty for skilled workers and the companies that rely on their talent. Nevertheless, the rise of leaders like Gopalan and Goyal underscores the integral role Indian-origin professionals continue to play in shaping US corporations, despite challenges posed by immigration policies.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/t-mobile-molson-coors-appoint-indian-ceos-amid-h-1b-debate/story

SJVN Limited Recruitment 2025: Application Process For 87 Workman Trainee Posts Underway; Check Selection Process Here

SJVN Limited Recruitment 2025: Apply for 87 Workman Trainee Positions

SJVN Limited, a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power, has announced recruitment for 87 Workman Trainee vacancies. This opportunity is exclusively available to residents of Himachal Pradesh. Online applications opened on September 22, 2025, and the last date to apply is October 13, 2025 (6 p.m.).

Interested candidates can apply through the Career section on the official SJVN website at sjvn.nic.in. Please note that applications will be accepted only online.

Vacancy Details

The recruitment will fill a total of 87 vacancies in various trades as detailed below:

Assistant (Accounts): 10
Assistant: 15
Driver: 15
Electrician: 20
Fitter: 5
Turner: 2
Welder: 5
Storekeeper: 10
Surveyor: 5

Pay and Benefits

Selected Workman Trainees will receive a starting salary of Rs. 21,500/- (IDA) with a 3% annual increment. In addition to the basic pay, the following benefits are provided:

35% cafeteria allowance
House Rent Allowance (HRA) / CPF
Conveyance reimbursement
Leave encashment
Performance Related Pay (PRP)
Medical benefits for self and dependents as per company rules

After successful completion of one year of training, candidates will be regularized in the same pay scale with a 3% increment. Career growth will be guided by SJVN’s promotion policy.

Application Fee

The application fee is Rs. 200 plus 18% GST. However, candidates belonging to the following categories are exempted from paying the fee:

SC (Scheduled Caste)
ST (Scheduled Tribe)
EWS (Economically Weaker Sections)
PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities)
Ex-servicemen

Service Bond

Selected candidates are required to serve SJVN for three years after training. The service bond amount is:

Rs. 2 lakh for General/EWS/OBC candidates
Rs. 1 lakh for SC/ST/PwBD candidates

Selection Process

The selection procedure includes a Computer-Based Test (CBT) comprising 100 multiple-choice questions. The test components are:

80 questions from the relevant discipline
20 questions covering aptitude, reasoning, English, and general knowledge

The CBT duration is 2 hours with no negative marking. For positions like Assistant, Assistant (Accounts), and Driver, an additional Trade Test will be conducted.

To qualify in the CBT, candidates must secure minimum marks as follows:

General/UR, EWS, and Others: 50%
SC, ST, OBC (NCL), and PwBD: 40%

How to Apply

Candidates interested in applying for the SJVN Limited Workman Trainee recruitment must visit the official website and submit their applications through the Career section before October 13, 2025 (6 p.m.). Remember, applications are accepted only online.

For more details, visit the official website: sjvn.nic.in

https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/sjvn-limited-recruitment-2025-application-process-for-87-workman-trainee-posts-underway-check-selection-process-here

Mumbai News: EOW Probes Ex-Lodha Developers Director Rajendra Lodha For ₹49.22 Crore Transfer, Land Misuse

**Mumbai Police Allege ₹49.22 Crore Transfer by Former Lodha Developers Director**

Mumbai police have claimed that Rajendra Lodha, former director of Lodha Developers Ltd (LDL), transferred ₹49.22 crore to his son Sahil Lodha’s account. Additionally, he is accused of transferring land reserved for a school and college in one of LDL’s projects to a firm where his son was a partner, allegedly without any authority.

**Custody Extended Till September 29**

The Economic Offence Wing (EOW) on Tuesday secured further custody of Rajendra Lodha until September 29. The agency stated that last week they recorded a statement from the company’s vice president. According to the statement, in the company’s Panacea Lodha project, a portion of land was reserved for the construction of schools or a college. However, Lodha reportedly sold this parcel to NBP Edutech LLP, a firm linked to his son.

**Destroyed Financial Records Discovered**

The witness further revealed that upon examining the financial records of Lodha and his family, it was found that Lodha had destroyed all details related to their financial transactions. This act has raised significant concerns among investigators.

**Unauthorized Land Sales Over Years**

Investigations also revealed that over the past 12 to 15 years, Lodha had sold several parcels of company land without having the necessary authority. Authorities allege these sales were conducted for his personal benefit, bypassing proper company protocols.

**Cash Movements Captured on CCTV**

Police stated that Lodha, with assistance from his employees, collected large sums of cash. CCTV footage shows employees carrying bags multiple times—three to four instances—which they later admitted contained cash when questioned by the police.

**Foreign Remittances Under Investigation**

The Economic Offence Wing has also uncovered several suspicious cash exchanges and foreign remittances involving substantial amounts of money. These transactions are currently under further investigation to determine their legality and source.

**Brother Removed Crucial Documents After Arrest**

Following Rajendra Lodha’s arrest, CCTV footage from his residence captured his brother, Deepak Lodha, removing several large bags. Investigators revealed that these bags contained important documents related to financial transactions and land plots, which are critical to the ongoing investigation.

—

The investigation into Rajendra Lodha and his activities at Lodha Developers Ltd continues, as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the alleged financial irregularities and unauthorized land dealings.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-news-eow-probes-ex-lodha-developers-director-rajendra-lodha-for-4922-crore-transfer-land-misuse

Annapurna Interactive’s first Tokyo Game Show Direct features three new game reveals

Some of gaming’s biggest publishers are set to gather this weekend for the annual Tokyo Game Show. Among them is Annapurna Interactive, marking its first-ever appearance on the show floor.

Prior to the big event, Annapurna held a special Annapurna Direct to unveil three brand-new titles, all of which will be playable by attendees this weekend.

—

**D-Topia**
The first title is *D-Topia*, the latest effort from Japanese developer Marumittu Games. Formerly known as Project D, *D-Topia* follows a single maintenance worker who helps manage and oversee a residential facility run by artificial intelligence. Players will solve puzzles to keep the AI running smoothly and ensure the facility’s denizens remain happy. Occasionally, this may require making some difficult choices.

Look for *D-Topia* to arrive on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and Nintendo Switch in 2026.

—

**People of Note**
Next up is *People of Note*, from the team at Iridium Studios. This game can best be described as a musical turn-based RPG. The main character, Cadence, sets out to become a star, but she can’t achieve stardom alone. Players will recruit other musicians to build a killer band and face off against tough musical acts—alongside the occasional fantasy creature.

Featuring a blend of musical rhythm mechanics and turn-based battles, *People of Note* promises a unique RPG experience. It is coming to PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S in 2026.

—

**Demi and the Fractured Dream**
Finally, *Demi and the Fractured Dream* comes from the team at Yarn Owl. The game follows Demi, a cursed voidsent who awakens in the world of Somnus and is beckoned by the old gods to fulfill his destiny. The adventure features classic hack-and-slash gameplay set within a world filled with environmental puzzles.

Demi must rely on his sword, his abilities, and an acolyte named Mergo to repair this imaginative, yet fractured, world. *Demi and the Fractured Dream* is slated for release on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and Nintendo Switch in 2026.

—

Stay tuned for more updates from the Tokyo Game Show as these exciting titles make their debut!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146058/annapurna-interactive-direct-tokyo-game-show-reveals

Mumbai: Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad Alleges Mahayuti Govt Allowed Builders To Exploit Reserved BMC Plots, Demands Withdrawal Of DC Rule Change

City Congress President and MP Varsha Gaikwad has stirred up political controversy by accusing the Mahayuti government of permitting construction activities on municipal plots that are officially reserved for public amenities such as gardens.

Gaikwad pointed out that under the Development Control (DC) rules, no development can take place on such reserved plots without formally changing their reservation status according to established norms. She alleged, however, that the state government has bent these rules to favor its “ladka (favourite) builder.”

### Controversial Notification Issued

On July 3, 2025, the state’s urban development department issued a notification proposing a controversial amendment to the DC rules. The modification would allow private builders to undertake Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) projects even on public or BMC lands that are reserved or designated for specific amenities. This change effectively cleared the way for a builder to commercially exploit a suburban plot—something that was previously impossible under existing rules.

### Allegations of Unusual Haste

Gaikwad further alleged:
“What is more shocking is that Devabhau Sarkar implemented this modification in unusual haste, without waiting for the mandatory public suggestions and objections procedure to be completed. The government misused Section 154(1) of the MRTP Act, issuing a directive to the BMC to enforce the modification immediately, even before the final sanction.”

She questioned the motive behind this unusual speed, claiming it was specifically designed to benefit two builders who are close to the government.

### Warning of a Dangerous Precedent

“This move not only jeopardizes Mumbai’s development plan but also sets a dangerous precedent, endangering all reserved, public, and BMC-owned plots,” Gaikwad warned. “I demand that this disastrous notification be withdrawn immediately.”

### Builder’s Request Processed with Unusual Speed

Gaikwad revealed that on April 8, 2025, one of the builders wrote to Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani seeking restoration of an earlier revoked consent/NOC issued to the CEO of SRA on March 4, 2009. This consent had declared a BMC plot as a ‘slum’ and allowed the builder to develop it under an SRA scheme along with adjoining plots.

She highlighted the unusual speed with which the BMC handled the request.
“While the BMC often takes months or even years to respond to citizens’ applications, this time it was incredibly swift. On April 9, just a day after the builder’s letter, Commissioner Gagrani wrote on the file, ‘Please get this verified and submit for orders.’”

### Fast-Tracked Approvals Alleged

Gaikwad alleged that the entire approval process was fast-tracked in an unprecedented manner.
“The rush was so great that even the fact that the wrong subject was mentioned in the builder’s letter went unnoticed. The administrative machinery, which had previously opposed the same proposal, suddenly acted with great haste to clear it.”

Documents indicate that on April 28 and May 6, 2025, representatives of one of the builders met with Deputy Municipal Commissioner Dr. Kiran Dighavkar, where it was decided to accept the builder’s proposal. Following this, Dighavkar’s office formally submitted a proposal on June 9, 2025, which was quickly approved by Gagrani’s office on June 13, 2025.

“In other words, once initiated, it took just four days to obtain approvals from all concerned departments and the final approval of the Municipal Commissioner,” Gaikwad stated. She added, “It is not difficult to imagine the immense pressure behind this fast-tracking, especially when earlier officials had taken the exact opposite stance on the issue.”

### BMC Commissioner Responds

When contacted by FPJ, Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani denied any involvement of the BMC in modifying the DC rules. Regarding the approval of the builders’ proposals, he asserted that no approval has been granted so far.

“The allegation is speculative and premature in the extreme,” Gagrani said.

—

The controversy raises significant questions about governance, transparency, and adherence to development norms in Mumbai, as voices call for greater scrutiny and accountability in urban development decisions.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-congress-mp-varsha-gaikwad-alleges-mahayuti-govt-allowed-builders-to-exploit-reserved-bmc-plots-demands-withdrawal-of-dc-rule-change

Category: business