Author: admin

  • PCB blasted for ‘lack of seriousness’, unprofessional act by Kamran Akmal after ‘illogical’ appointment in men’s team

    PCB blasted for ‘lack of seriousness’, unprofessional act by Kamran Akmal after ‘illogical’ appointment in men’s team

    Kamran Akmal, the former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter, has expressed his disappointment with the Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision to stick with Azhar Mahmood as interim coach, citing the move as “illogical and reflective of poor management.” Mahmood, appointed assistant coach for all formats in 2024, has now taken over as acting head coach of the Pakistan national team. He is expected to remain in the role until his current contract ends in March 2026.

    Kamran Akmal wasn’t too happy with PCB’s recent decision(Getty Images)

    Speaking on The Game Plan Podcast on YouTube, Kamran Akmal expressed his frustration over the Pakistan Board’s decision, stating, “I just don’t understand the logic behind this decision. It’s exactly like the time PCB made Mickey Arthur director of cricket while allowing him to continue working with a county team. I couldn’t understand it then, and I can’t understand it now.”

    Since 2021, Azhar Mahmood has been the seventh head coach appointed by PCB, succeeding yet another interim coach in Aaqib Javed, who had previously taken over from Australian cricketer Jason Gillespie. Akmal criticised the PCB for its erratic decision-making, asserting that these appointments have caused long-term problems.

    “Lack of seriousness”

    Akmal further took aim at PCB’s decision, saying, “That role (Mickey Arthur) has continued, and it has brought many issues into Pakistan cricket. The same thing is now happening with the interim coaching setup. Before this, it was Aaqib Javed, then Mohammad Hafeez and now Azhar.”

    “These decisions reflect a lack of seriousness. When the PCB starts thinking seriously and acting professionally, it won’t have to make such compromises or temporary appointments”

    Arthur returned to the Pakistan setup in 2023 as team director while still coaching Derbyshire in England, a dual arrangement that Akmal believes led to structural problems in the team. Mahmood, now acting as Test coach, is not expected to retain his role as white-ball assistant coach during this tenure, and he was notably absent from the coaching staff during Pakistan’s recent white-ball series against Bangladesh.

    Kamran Akmal finally emphasised the situation by stating, “Everyone has been appeased, and now Azhar has also been rewarded. If you’ve made him head coach, then give him the full time and responsibility. Otherwise, what’s the point?”

    Continue Reading

  • Pakistan slashes import duties on 7,000 items, here’s complete list – ARY News

    1. Pakistan slashes import duties on 7,000 items, here’s complete list  ARY News
    2. Import duties on food, auto cut  The Express Tribune
    3. FBR abolishes ACD on imports under 0pc, 5pc and 10pc duty slabs  Business Recorder
    4. Govt backtracks on tariff reform  Dawn
    5. Govt reduces regulatory duties on imported food, vehicles, and personal care goods  Profit by Pakistan Today

    Continue Reading

  • "Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar" Project: Construction of over 50,000 homes completed in Punjab – Dunya News

    "Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar" Project: Construction of over 50,000 homes completed in Punjab – Dunya News

    1. “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” Project: Construction of over 50,000 homes completed in Punjab  Dunya News
    2. CM Maryam Nawaz’s ‘Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar’ project delivers 50,000 homes across Punjab  nation.com.pk
    3. CM announces ‘Apni Zamin, Apni Ghar Program’ for 19 districts  MSN
    4. Apni Chhat Apna Ghar program hits major milestone as 50,000 interest-free loans given in 7 months  Dunya News

    Continue Reading

  • Girls, Women Under Constant Threat in South Sudan

    Girls, Women Under Constant Threat in South Sudan

    Recent attacks on girls and young women in South Sudan illustrate how they are at risk and lack adequate protections.

    On June 25, armed men in Pochalla North, Jonglei state, reportedly abducted four female students as they travelled to sit for secondary school exams. Though the local community organized search efforts, the four remain missing.

    In late June, the police said they had arrested seven suspects in the gang-rape of a 16-year-old girl in South Sudan’s capital, Juba. An alleged video of the attack spread online and generated public outrage. Following the incident, the country’s gender minister called for thorough investigations and accountability. Activists called for legal reforms and organized forums to encourage survivors to speak out. But even when cases garner such levels of public scrutiny, convictions are rare.

    In May, armed youth surrounded a girls’ boarding school in Marial Lou, Warrap state, trapping at least 100 students inside. According to the United Nations peacekeeping mission, teachers locked the gates until peacekeepers secured the school and negotiated an end to the siege.

    These incidents are part of an all-too-familiar story in South Sudan where a girl’s body, her education, and her future are under constant threat. Generations of conflict, widespread access to arms, and patriarchal customs including bride price have long turned women’s and girls’ bodies into battlegrounds, used as spoils of war or bargaining chips in intercommunal disputes.

    Watching communities mobilize to protect girls brings hope that such behavior and practices may change, but meaningful protection still depends on the state fulfilling its legal obligations.

    A party to the Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, South Sudan has also ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and endorsed the Safe Schools Declaration, committing to protect women, girls, students, and schools from attack. The Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare and the Ministry of Justice have promoted the Anti-Gender Based Violence and Child Protection Bill, which could strengthen legal protections, criminalize forced and child marriage, and guarantee survivors free medical and psychosocial support. Parliament should prioritize the bill’s adoption. 

    The government should also strengthen the country’s rule-of-law institutions and ensure accountability for perpetrators. Protecting schools from attacks—including by enhancing security presence, youth focused dialogues, and rights-respecting disarmament processes—is critical.  

    Girls in South Sudan should be able to walk to school and learn without fear, and authorities should act to ensure these basic rights.

    Continue Reading

  • Traders Watch as Trump’s 35% Tariff Threat Sparks Doubts Over Tokyo’s Tactics

    Traders Watch as Trump’s 35% Tariff Threat Sparks Doubts Over Tokyo’s Tactics

    US President Donald Trump threatened Japan with tariffs of up to 35% as he ramped up tensions for a third straight day, fueling fears of a worst-case scenario among market players and raising doubts over Tokyo’s tactics in trade talks.

    Japan should be forced to “pay 30%, 35% or whatever the number is that we determine, because we also have a very big trade deficit with Japan,” Trump said, again flagging the possibility that across-the-board tariffs could go much higher than the 24% initially penciled in for July 9. “I’m not sure we’re going to make a deal. I doubt it with Japan, they’re very tough. You have to understand, they’re very spoiled.”

    Continue Reading

  • European Commission. The European green deal. Publication Office of the European Union; 2019.

  • European Commission. Farm to fork strategy. 2020.

  • Glare T, Caradus J, Gelernter W, Jackson T, Keyhani N, Köhl J, et al. Have biopesticides come of age? Trends Biotechnol. 2012;30(5):250–8.

    CAS 

    Google Scholar 

  • Taning CNT, Mezzetti B, Kleter G, Smagghe G, Baraldi E. Does RNAi-based technology fit within EU sustainability goals?? Trends Biotechnol. 2021;39(7):644–7.

    CAS 

    Google Scholar 

  • Nunes PSO, Lacerda-Junior GV, Mascarin GM, Guimarães RA, Medeiros FHV, Arthurs S, et al. Microbial consortia of biological products: do they have a future? Biol Control. 2024;188:105439.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wend K, Zorrilla L, Freimoser FM, Gallet A. Microbial pesticides – challenges and future perspectives for testing and safety assessment with respect to human health. Environ Health. 2024;23(1):49.

    CAS 

    Google Scholar 

  • European Commission. Guidance document on semiochemical active substances and plant protection products. 2024.

  • Scholz S, Brack W, Escher BI, Hackermüller J, Liess M, von Bergen M, et al. The EU chemicals strategy for sustainability: an opportunity to develop new approaches for hazard and risk assessment. Arch Toxicol. 2022;96(8):2381–6.

    CAS 

    Google Scholar 

  • Schmeisser S, Miccoli A, von Bergen M, Berggren E, Braeuning A, Busch W, et al. New approach methodologies in human regulatory toxicology – not if, but how and when! Environ Int. 2023;178:108082.

    CAS 

    Google Scholar 

  • Anisimov Andrey P, Lindler Luther E, Pier Gerald B. Intraspecific diversity of Yersinia pestis. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2004;17(3):695.

    Google Scholar 

  • Belsham GJ, Kristensen T, Jackson T. Foot-and-mouth disease virus: prospects for using knowledge of virus biology to improve control of this continuing global threat. Virus Res. 2020;281:197909.

    CAS 

    Google Scholar 

  • Nitsche BM, Jørgensen TR, Akeroyd M, Meyer V, Ram AFJ. The carbon starvation response of Aspergillus Niger during submerged cultivation: insights from the transcriptome and secretome. BMC Genomics. 2012;13(1):380.

    CAS 

    Google Scholar 

  • Kusari S, Hertweck C, Spiteller M. Chemical ecology of endophytic fungi: origins of secondary metabolites. Chem Biol. 2012;19(7):792–8.

    CAS 

    Google Scholar 

  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Test guidelines for pesticides and toxic substances. Series 885 – Microbial pesticide test guidelines. Washington, DC: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; 1996. Report No.: EPA Report No 885-XXX.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tollefsen KE, Scholz S, Cronin MT, Edwards SW, de Knecht J, Crofton K, et al. Applying adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) to support integrated approaches to testing and assessment (IATA). Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2014;70(3):629–40.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nymark P, Clerbaux L-A, Amorim M-J, Andronis C, de Bernardi F, Bezemer GFG et al. Building an adverse outcome pathway network for COVID-19. Front Syst Biology. 2024;4–2024.

  • Mayasich SA, Amorim M-J, Paini A, Parissis N, Kim HJ, Nymark P. Binding of SAR-CoV-2 to ACE2 leads to viral infection proliferation: AOP-Wiki/OECD; 2023 [Available from: https://aopwiki.org/aops/430.]

  • Busschers M, Gwynn R, Ramaekers L, Lewis J, Greco F. Data decision tree for identifying potential risks for natural substances when used in plant protection. Biocontrol Sci Technol. 2023;33(7):597–629.

    Google Scholar 

  • Paege N, Feustel S, Marx-Stoelting P. Toxicological evaluation of microbial secondary metabolites in the context of European active substance approval for plant protection products. Environ Health. 2024;23(1):52.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morais Leme D, Bomfim Pestana C, Kenny EF, Feustel S, Corsini E. Assessing the sensitisation hazard of microbial pesticides: potential value of new approach methodologies (NAMs) to overcome current challenges. Manuscript in preparation, 2025.

  • European Comission. Commission regulation (EC) no 1107/2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market. Brussels: European Union; 2009.

    Google Scholar 

  • European Commission. Commission implementing regulation (EU) 2022/1439 amending regulation (EU) 283/2013 as regards the information to be submitted for active substances and the specific data requirements for micro-organisms. Report No.: EU 2022/1439. Official J Eur Union. L 227/8, 2022.

  • European Commission. Commission implementing regulation (EU) 2022/1440 amending regulation (EU) no 284/2013 as regards the information to be submitted for plant protection products and the specific data requirements for plant protection products containing micro-organisms. Brussels: European Commission; 2022. Report No.: EU 2022/1440.

    Google Scholar 

  • European Commission. Commission implementing regulation 2022/1441 amending regulation (EU) no 546/2011 as regards specific uniform principles for evaluation and authorisation of plant protection products containing micro-organisms. Brussels: European Union; 2022.

    Google Scholar 

  • European Commission. Commission regulation (EU) no 547/2011 implementing regulation (EC) no 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards labelling requirements for plant protection products. Brussels: European Union; 2011. Report No.: (EU) No 547/2011.

    Google Scholar 

  • Panel Rychen EFSAFEEDAP, Aquilina G, Azimonti G, Bampidis G. Guidance on the characterisation of microorganisms used as feed additives or as production organisms. EFSA J. 2018;16(3):e05206.

    Google Scholar 

  • EFSA. Submission of scientific peer-reviewed open literature for the approval of pesticide active substances under regulation (EC) 1107/2009. EFSA J. 2011;9(2):2092.

    Google Scholar 

  • OECD. Innovating microbial pesticide testing: conference proceedings series on pesticides No. 109. Paris, France OECD. 2023. Report No.: ENV/CBC/MONO(2023)10.

  • Marx-Stoelting P, Rivière G, Luijten M, Aiello-Holden K, Bandow N, Baken K, et al. A walk in the PARC: developing and implementing 21st century chemical risk assessment in Europe. Arch Toxicol. 2023;97(3):893–908.

    CAS 

    Google Scholar 

  • Jacobs MN, Hoffmann S, Hollnagel HM, Kern P, Kolle SN, Natsch A, et al. Avoiding a reproducibility crisis in regulatory toxicology—on the fundamental role of ring trials. Arch Toxicol. 2024;98(7):2047–63.

    CAS 

    Google Scholar 

  • EFSA. EFSA statement on the requirements for whole genome sequence analysis of microorganisms intentionally used in the food chain. EFSA J. 2021;19(7):e06506.

    Google Scholar 

  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. OPPTS 885.3050 Acute oral toxicity/ pathogenicity U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1996. Report No.: OPPTS 885.3050.

  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. OPPTS 885.3150 Acute pulmonary toxicity/ pathogenicity U.S. Enviromental Protection Agency. 1996. Contract No.: OPPTS 885.3150.

  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. OPPTS 885.3200 microbial pesticide test methods. Acute injection toxicity/pathogenicity. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; 1996. Contract No.: OPPTS 885.3200.

  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. OPPTS 885.3500 cell culture. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; 1996. Contract No.: OPPTS 885.3500.

  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. OPPTS 885.3600 subchronic toxicity/pathogenicity. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; 1996. Contract No.: OPPTS 885.3600.

  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. OPPTS 885.3650 reproductive/fertility effects. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; 1996. Contract No.: OPPTS 885.3650.

  • Anastassiadou EFSA, Arena M, Auteri M, Brancato D, Bura A. Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. Kurstaki strain SA-11. EFSA J. 2020;18(10):e06261.

    Google Scholar 

  • Alvarez EFSA, Arena F, Auteri M, Binaglia D, Castoldi M. Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance Aspergillus flavus strain MUCL54911. EFSA J. 2022;20(3):e07202.

    Google Scholar 

  • European Commission. Directive 2010/63/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes European Union; 2010. Report No.: Directive 2010/63/EU.

  • EFSA FEEDAP Panel. Guidance on the assessment of the toxigenic potential of Bacillus species used in animal nutrition. EFSA J. 2014;12(5):3665.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fichant A, Lanceleur R, Hachfi S, Brun-Barale A, Blier A-L, Firmesse O et al. New approach methods to assess the enteropathogenic potential of strains of the Bacillus cereus group, including Bacillus thuringiensis. Foods. 2024;13(8).

  • Walocha R, Kim M, Wong-Ng J, Gobaa S, Sauvonnet N. Organoids and organ-on-chip technology for investigating host-microorganism interactions. Microbes Infect. 2024;26(7):105319.

    CAS 

    Google Scholar 

  • de Oliveira LF, Filho DM, Marques BL, Maciel GF, Parreira RC, doCN J.R., et al. Organoids as a novel tool in modelling infectious diseases. Semin Cell Dev Biol. 2023;144:87–96.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yokoi F, Deguchi S, Takayama K. Organ-on-a-chip models for elucidating the cellular biology of infectious diseases. Biochimica et biophysica acta (BBA) -. Mol Cell Res. 2023;1870(6):119504.

    CAS 

    Google Scholar 

  • European Commission. SANTE/2020/12260. Guidance on the approval and low-risk criteria linked to antimicrobial resistance applicable to microorganisms used for plant protection. Accordance with regulation (EC) no 1107/2009. Brussels: European Union; 2020. Report No.: SANTE/2020/12260.

    Google Scholar 

  • WHO. GLASS whole-genome sequencing for surveillance of antimicrobial resistance. 2020.

  • Cassini A, Högberg LD, Plachouras D, Quattrocchi A, Hoxha A, Simonsen GS, et al. Attributable deaths and disability-adjusted life-years caused by infections with antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the EU and the European economic area in 2015: a population-level modelling analysis. Lancet Infect Dis. 2019;19(1):56–66.

    Google Scholar 

  • European Commission. Commission Regulation (EU) No. 283/2013 setting out the data requirements for active substances, in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market. Report No.: (EU) No. 283/2013. Official J Eur Union. L 93/1, 2013.

  • European Commission. Commission regulation (EU) no 546/2011 implementing regulation (EC) no 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards uniform principles for evaluation and authorisation of plant protection products. Brussels: European Commission; 2011.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dang T, Loll B, Müller S, Skobalj R, Ebeling J, Bulatov T, et al. Molecular basis of antibiotic self-resistance in a bee larvae pathogen. Nat Commun. 2022;13(1):2349.

    CAS 

    Google Scholar 

  • Hutchings MI, Truman AW, Wilkinson B. Antibiotics: past, present and future. Curr Opin Microbiol. 2019;51:72–80.

    CAS 

    Google Scholar 

  • Molloy EM, Hertweck C. Antimicrobial discovery inspired by ecological interactions. Curr Opin Microbiol. 2017;39:121–7.

    Google Scholar 

  • European Commission. Commission regulation (EU) 2017/1432 amending regulation (EC) 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and the Council concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market as regards the criteria for the approval of low-risk active substances. Report No.: (EU) 2017/1432. Official J Eur Union. L 205/59, 2017.

  • European Commission. Commission regulation (EU) 2022/1438 amending Annex II to regulation (EC) no 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards specific criteria for the approval of active substances that are micro-organisms. Brussels: European Commission; 2022. Report No.: (EU) 2022/1438.

    Google Scholar 

  • Patel S. Drivers of bacterial genomes plasticity and roles they play in pathogen virulence, persistence and drug resistance. Infect Genet Evol. 2016;45:151–64.

    CAS 

    Google Scholar 

  • Fitzpatrick DA. Horizontal gene transfer in fungi. FEMS Microbiol Lett. 2012;329(1):1–8.

    CAS 

    Google Scholar 

  • Stanczak-Mrozek KI, Laing KG, Lindsay JA. Resistance gene transfer: induction of transducing phage by sub-inhibitory concentrations of antimicrobials is not correlated to induction of lytic phage. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2017;72(6):1624–31.

    CAS 

    Google Scholar 

  • Panel EFSABIOHAZ, Allende A, Alvarez-Ordóñez A, Bolton D, Bover-Cid S, Chemaly M, De Cesare A, et al. Statement on how to interpret the QPS qualification on ‘acquired antimicrobial resistance genes’. EFSA J. 2023;21(10):1–13.

    Google Scholar 

  • Waddington C, Carey ME, Boinett CJ, Higginson E, Veeraraghavan B, Baker S. Exploiting genomics to mitigate the public health impact of antimicrobial resistance. Genome Med. 2022;14(1):15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goodwin S, McPherson JD, McCombie WR. Coming of age: ten years of next-generation sequencing technologies. Nat Rev Genet. 2016;17(6):333–51.

    CAS 

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang J-Y, Roberts H, Flores DSC, Cutler AJ, Brown AC, Whalley JP, et al. Using de novo assembly to identify structural variation of eight complex immune system gene regions. PLoS Comput Biol. 2021;17(8):e1009254.

    CAS 

    Google Scholar 

  • Ellington MJ, Ekelund O, Aarestrup FM, Canton R, Doumith M, Giske C, et al. The role of whole genome sequencing in antimicrobial susceptibility testing of bacteria: report from the EUCAST subcommittee. Clin Microbiol Infect. 2017;23(1):2–22.

    CAS 

    Google Scholar 

  • McArthur AG, Waglechner N, Nizam F, Yan A, Azad MA, Baylay AJ, et al. The comprehensive antibiotic resistance database. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2013;57(7):3348–57.

    CAS 

    Google Scholar 

  • Jia B, Raphenya AR, Alcock B, Waglechner N, Guo P, Tsang KK, et al. CARD 2017: expansion and model-centric curation of the comprehensive antibiotic resistance database. Nucleic Acids Res. 2017;45(D1):D566–73.

    CAS 

    Google Scholar 

  • Alcock BP, Raphenya AR, Lau TTY, Tsang KK, Bouchard M, Edalatmand A, et al. CARD 2020: antibiotic resistome surveillance with the comprehensive antibiotic resistance database. Nucleic Acids Res. 2020;48(D1):D517–25.

    CAS 

    Google Scholar 

  • Zankari E, Hasman H, Cosentino S, Vestergaard M, Rasmussen S, Lund O, et al. Identification of acquired antimicrobial resistance genes. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2012;67(11):2640–4.

    CAS 

    Google Scholar 

  • Gupta SK, Padmanabhan BR, Diene SM, Lopez-Rojas R, Kempf M, Landraud L, et al. ARG-ANNOT, a new bioinformatic tool to discover antibiotic resistance genes in bacterial genomes. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2014;58(1):212–20.

    Google Scholar 

Continue Reading

  • Hyatt Newsroom – News Releases

    Hyatt Continues Expansion With The Debut Of Thompson Hotels, Significant New Entries for Andaz, The Standard and Park Hyatt Brands In Asia Pacific, Catering To Evolving Experiential Demand Among Luxury And Lifestyle Travelers

    CHICAGO (July 2, 2025) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced plans to expand Hyatt’s luxury and lifestyle brand portfolios across Asia Pacific, with a robust pipeline of close to 90 properties expected to open over the next five years. This strategic growth includes the debut of the Thompson Hotels brand in the region alongside significant new entries and expansion for Andaz, The Standard and Park Hyatt brands in sought-after destinations including Thailand, Malaysia and Australia in 2025 and 2026.

    Since 2017, Hyatt has doubled the number of luxury rooms, tripled its resort rooms, and grown lifestyle rooms five-fold globally. As one of the key regions driving the luxury travel market, the demand in Asia Pacific continues to surge and Hyatt is strategically expanding to meet it. As of Q1 2025, 64% of Hyatt’s Asia Pacific hotels and resorts are in the luxury and upper-upscale segments, reflecting Hyatt’s leadership in delivering high-end and distinct experiences to capture this growth potential.

    “Today, luxury is about authenticity and unique experiences. Our recently refined brand architecture and expansion in luxury and lifestyle portfolios allow us to cater to discerning travelers with focus and differentiation,” said Carina Chorengel, Senior Vice President, Commercial, Asia Pacific, Hyatt. “We are excited about offering enriching experiences that will further strengthen Hyatt’s position as a leader in luxury and lifestyle hospitality in the region.”

    Thompson Hotels brand set to debut in Asia Pacific

    The introduction of the Thompson Hotels brand in Asia Pacific signifies a milestone moment in the expansion of Hyatt’s lifestyle portfolio, reflecting its continued investment in experiences for culture-savvy travelers. With its origins based in Manhattan, NYC, Thompson Hotels blend heritage and modernity to create a stylish home base for the socially and culturally attuned traveler.

    Expected to open in Q4 2025, Thompson Shanghai Expo is inspired by the city’s industrial legacy and cosmopolitan energy – a collision of experiences inspired by contemporary design, art and innovative gastronomy. Its signature experiences reflect the growing appetite for cultural programming, featuring time-limited crossovers with cultural partners as well as a rooftop with live entertainment and engaging events.

    Andaz and The Standard bring lifestyle concepts to new markets

    Hyatt will also mark the continued expansion of the Andaz brand, celebrated for its cultural immersion and unique lifestyle offerings. Andaz Gold Coast will debut in Australia and the Pacific in a world-class integrated resort, and Andaz One Bangkok will be set at the edge of the serene Lumphini Park as part of the prestigious One Bangkok development. In addition, Andaz Shanghai ITC, the brand’s second property in the city, will be located amidst Shanghai’s leading commercial neighborhood.

    Following its acquisition of Standard International’s brands in 2024, Hyatt is continuing to invest in the brands’ footprint across the region with an exciting pipeline of new properties. This includes The Standard, Pattaya Na Jomtien, set to open in Q3 this year, featuring a playful, 60s-inspired beach club aesthetic that is equal parts chill and charged.

    Park Hyatt elevates personal luxury

    The Park Hyatt brand will also make its Malaysian debut with Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur in August 2025, set atop The Merdeka 118, the tallest skyscraper in Asia Pacific, offering the pinnacle of refined luxury through cultural-inspired interiors and culinary experiences. Its unique Cacao bar, the highest in town, will be the first chocolate-themed bar in the city, positioning it as a must-visit destination for leisure travelers who increasingly put culinary experiences center stage in their itineraries.

    In a reflection of how the iconic brand continues to redefine luxury, Park Hyatt Tokyo will celebrate a 30-year legacy by resuming operations following a comprehensive refinement that enhances its comfort and modern convenience while preserving its iconic understated luxurious ambience. Expected to resume operations in Q4 2025, the hotel will reimagine the timeless elegance of its 171 guestrooms and suites and see authentic dining concepts that promise to captivate luxury travelers across generations.

    Park Hyatt Phu Quoc, the first Park Hyatt resort in Vietnam, is expected to open in Q1 2026. Spanning 160 acres of land bordered by an expansive mile-long white sand beach and lush undulating hills, guests and residents can look forward to exquisite convergence of contemporary art, timeless craftsmanship, and personalized service on the pearl island.

    To learn more about upcoming openings and projects in Hyatt’s pipeline, please visit https://www.hyatt.com/development/.

    Select list of expected upcoming luxury and lifestyle openings in Asia Pacific in 2025 and 2026:

    • Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur – August 2025
    • Mumian Shanghai Expo (part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt) – Q3 2025
    • The Standard, Pattaya Na Jomtien – Q3 2025
    • Park Hyatt Tokyo – Q4 2025
    • Thompson Shanghai Expo – Q4 2025
    • KYLN Hotel Suzhou (part of JdV by Hyatt) – Q4 2025
    • Andaz One Bangkok – Q4 2025
    • Andaz Shanghai ITC – Q4 2025
    • Park Hyatt Phu Quoc – Q1 2026
    • Andaz Gold Coast – Q2 2026
    • THE BARAI (part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt) – Q3 2026
    • The Standard Residences, Hua Hin – Q4 2026
    • The Standard Residences, Phuket Bang Tao – Q4 2026

    Highlights of expected upcoming Hyatt hotel openings in Asia Pacific in 2025 and 2026 include:

    Thompson Hotels

    Thompson Shanghai Expo (Q4 2025)

    Thompson Shanghai Expo will debut the Thompson Hotel brand in Asia Pacific, offering culture-savvy travelers a home base. Drawing from the city’s industrial legacy and cosmopolitan energy, the hotel will serve as a magnetic stage where cultures collide, connecting guests and sparking ideas.

    Andaz

    Andaz Shanghai ITC (Q4 2025)

    Situated in the vibrant Xujiahui district, Andaz Shanghai ITC will offer experiences rooted in the city’s cosmopolitan identity.

    Andaz One Bangkok (Q4 2025)

    Located within Thailand’s most ambitious real estate project, One Bangkok, Andaz One Bangkok is set to become a landmark destination. Here, Bangkok’s vibrant cultural heritage blends with the sleek, modern energy of its central business district. Guests will enjoy Thai-inspired culinary delights at the Andaz Tavern and Lounge with views of Lumphini Park.

    Andaz Gold Coast (Q2 2026)

    As the first Andaz hotel in Australia and the Pacific, Andaz Gold Coast will offer guests easy access to beautiful beaches, rainforests, and theme parks with a myriad of dining and entertainment options as part of a world-class integrated development.

    The Standard

    The Standard, Pattaya Na Jomtien (Q3 2025)

    A beachfront hotel meeting laidback luxury with a twist of vibrant energy, The Standard, Pattaya Na Jomtien will offer a playful, 60s-inspired vibe and a beach club that will be equal parts chill and charged. Guests can unwind in one of 161 stylish rooms and suites or lounge in lush garden spaces while savoring extraordinary food and beverage offerings. The property’s restaurant, Mmhmmm, will feature an oceanfront pool serving up tiki-inspired cocktails and playful bites, while the Esmé Beach Club will reimagine the seaside experience with a stylish, sophisticated party scene.

    Park Hyatt

    Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (August 2025)

    The Park Hyatt brand will debut in Malaysia with Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, occupying the top floors of Merdeka 118, the tallest skyscraper in Asia Pacific. A refined home-away-from-home in the sky, the hotel will feature tasteful comforts and purposeful culinary and wellness offerings with sophisticated interiors inspired by Malaysia’s cultural heritage and traditional crafts.

    Park Hyatt Tokyo (Q4 2025)

    Following a comprehensive 17-month refinement, Park Hyatt Tokyo celebrates its 30-year legacy with impactful upgrades to its public spaces and room offerings for a more personalized luxury experience and enhanced comfort. At the same time, iconic elements such as the New York Grill & Bar are restored to their original designs. This reimagined experience upholds Park Hyatt Tokyo’s status as a timeless classic, providing deeply personalized services that connect past and present, resonating with travelers across generations.

    Park Hyatt Phu Quoc (Q1 2026)

    Bringing the Park Hyatt brand to a destination recently voted as the world’s second most beautiful island by readers of Travel + Leisure magazine, the hotel and residences will be positioned to offer guests and residents mesmerizing sunset views. Just a 30-minute drive from Phu Quoc International Airport, resort facilities will include two dining outlets, a bar, a pool side barbecue, two swimming pools, a lakeside spa, a gym house with a lap pool, a Camp Hyatt kids’ village, more than 4,300 square feet of event space and an organic farm.

    The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.

    About Hyatt Hotels Corporation

    Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose – to care for people so they can be their best. As of March 31, 2025, the Company’s portfolio included more than 1,450 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 79 countries across six continents. The Company’s offering includes brands in the Luxury Portfolio, including Park Hyatt®, Alila®, Miraval®, Impression by Secrets, and The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®; the Lifestyle Portfolio, including Andaz®, Thompson Hotels®, The Standard®, Dream® Hotels, The StandardX, Breathless Resorts & Spas®, JdV by Hyatt®, Bunkhouse® Hotels, and Me and All Hotels; the Inclusive Collection, including Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Hyatt Ziva®, Hyatt Zilara®, Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Hyatt Vivid Hotels & Resorts, Sunscape® Resorts & Spas, Alua Hotels & Resorts®, and Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts; the Classics Portfolio, including Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Destination by Hyatt®, Hyatt Centric®, Hyatt Vacation Club®, and Hyatt®; and the Essentials Portfolio, including Caption by Hyatt®, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Studios, Hyatt Select, and UrCove. Subsidiaries of the Company operate the World of Hyatt® loyalty program, ALG Vacations®, Mr & Mrs Smith, Unlimited Vacation Club®, Amstar® DMC destination management services, and Trisept Solutions® technology services. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Forward-Looking Statements in this press release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include statements about the Company’s luxury and lifestyle brand portfolios, expected performance and demand, planned openings, and development pipeline. Our actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “may,” “could,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “seek,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “likely,” “will,” “would” and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by us and our management, are inherently uncertain. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to, general economic uncertainty in key global markets and a worsening of global economic conditions or low levels of economic growth; the rate and pace of economic recovery following economic downturns; global supply chain constraints and interruptions, rising costs of construction-related labor and materials, and increases in costs due to inflation or other factors that may not be fully offset by increases in revenues in our business; risks affecting the luxury, resort, and all-inclusive lodging segments; levels of spending in business, leisure, and group segments, as well as consumer confidence; declines in occupancy and average daily rate; limited visibility with respect to future bookings; loss of key personnel; domestic and international political and geopolitical conditions, including political or civil unrest or changes in trade policy; the impact of global tariff policies or regulations; hostilities, or fear of hostilities, including future terrorist attacks, that affect travel; travel-related accidents; natural or man-made disasters, weather and climate-related events, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, hurricanes, droughts, floods, wildfires, oil spills, nuclear incidents, and global outbreaks of pandemics or contagious diseases, or fear of such outbreaks; our ability to successfully achieve specified  levels of operating profits at hotels that have performance tests or guarantees in favor of our third-party owners; the impact of hotel renovations and redevelopments; risks associated with our capital allocation plans, share repurchase program, and dividend payments, including a reduction in, or elimination or suspension of, repurchase activity or dividend payments; the seasonal and cyclical nature of the real estate and hospitality businesses; changes in distribution arrangements, such as through internet travel intermediaries; changes in the tastes and preferences of our customers; relationships with colleagues and labor unions and changes in labor laws; the financial condition of, and our relationships with, third-party owners, franchisees, and hospitality venture partners; the possible inability of third-party owners, franchisees, or development partners to access the capital necessary to fund current operations or implement our plans for growth; risks associated with potential acquisitions and dispositions and our ability to successfully integrate completed acquisitions with existing operations; failure to successfully complete proposed transactions (including the failure to satisfy closing conditions or obtain required approvals); our ability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures; declines in the value of our real estate assets; unforeseen terminations of our management and hotel services agreements or franchise agreements; changes in federal, state, local, or foreign tax law; increases in interest rates, wages, and other operating costs; foreign exchange rate fluctuations or currency restructurings; risks associated with the introduction of new brand concepts, including lack of acceptance of new brands or innovation; general volatility of the capital markets and our ability to access such markets; changes in the competitive environment in our industry, industry consolidation, and the markets where we operate; our ability to successfully grow the World of Hyatt loyalty program and Unlimited Vacation Club paid membership program; cyber incidents and information technology failures; outcomes of legal or administrative proceedings; and violations of regulations or laws related to our franchising business and licensing businesses and our international operations; and other risks discussed in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including our annual report on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which filings are available from the SEC. These factors are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by any of our forward-looking statements.  We caution you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are made only as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any of these forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, new information or future events, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law. If we update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

    ###

    MEDIA CONTACTS:

    Lillian Zhang

    Hyatt – ASPAC

    Lillian.zhang@hyatt.com

    Joyce Cheng

    Hyatt – ASPAC

    Joyce.cheng@hyatt.com

    Continue Reading

  • Secretary-General: New Dawn’ Rises for Financing Development Progress – United Nations in India

    1. Secretary-General: New Dawn’ Rises for Financing Development Progress  United Nations in India
    2. Pakistan aims to boost SME financing to 17% of private sector credit by 2028: Finance Minister  Ptv.com.pk
    3. UN chief seeks aid surge to check ‘climate chaos’  Dawn
    4. Action Plan Announced at FfD4 to Mobilize Private Sector Capital in Developing Countries  fanamc.com
    5. Sevilla reporter’s notebook Day 3: Hitting a stride or hitting a wall?  Devex

    Continue Reading

  • Cracking cancer’s code through functional connections

    Cracking cancer’s code through functional connections

    Among cancer researchers, their computers, servers and databanks store thousands of terabytes of omics data, enabling novel discoveries about genetic and proteomic relationships. However, making meaningful connections can be computationally challenging. What if there were a way to harness the power of machine learning to help interpret this data and identify unrecognized patterns that advance therapeutic strategies?

    A recent paper in Nature Cancer introduces a new tool for decoding and uncovering functional connections within cancer biology. FunMap, a machine-learning-driven platform, allows researchers to understand how genes and proteins work together in cancer, even when they aren’t directly connected. Bing Zhang, a professor of molecular and human genetics at Baylor College of Medicine, and his lab aim to bridge the gap between large-scale cancer omics data and functional interpretation using machine learning.

    The team used large-scale proteogenomic data, or integrated information about genes, RNA and proteins, across 11 cancer types to chart a functional network of more than 10,000 genes. Unlike traditional protein–protein interaction networks, which focus on physical contacts between proteins, FunMap assesses “cofunctionality,” the concept that genes or proteins can participate in the same biological process even if they do not physically interact.

    “Think of a complex research lab,” Zhiao Shi, lead programmer in the lab and first author of the paper, explained the computational tool. “A computational biologist and a wet lab scientist may never perform experiments together, but the computational analysis is crucial for guiding the wet lab experiments and interpreting results. Though they do not interact directly, their roles are tightly coordinated to achieve scientific breakthroughs — this is cofunction.”

    With the ability to incorporate graph-neural-network-based deep learning, a type of model that learns from data structured as networks of connected elements, FunMap can identify cancer driver mutations with low frequencies. This expands the understanding of cancer pathogenesis beyond high-frequency mutations and may potentiate new discoveries in cancer diagnostics and treatment.

    FunMap also advances functional genomics by shedding light on understudied cancer genes, such as RBM34 and MAB21L4, also known as dark genes. These understudied genes and their protein counterparts have not been studied in the context of cancer but are significantly over or under expressed in tumors. Shi explained that their approach “enables a more systematic and data-driven assignment of functions to poorly characterized cancer-associated genes, aiding in the discovery of novel cancer biology.”

    The platform is available to the public at funmap.linkedomics.org, where scientists can explore the network and apply it to their own studies. The Zhang lab plans to expand its tool with additional data types, such as epigenomics and protein modification.

    “By identifying key cancer-associated proteins and functional pathways, our findings can help prioritize therapeutic targets, ultimately contributing to the development of more effective treatments,” Shi said. “In the long run, this research could lead to improved cancer diagnostics and therapies, benefiting patients by making precision medicine more actionable and impactful.”

    Bing Zhang, Baylor College of Medicine

    Overview of FunMap, a machine learning and network-based framework that integrates pan-cancer proteogenomic data to identify functional modules, predict understudied protein functions, and discover low-frequency cancer drivers.

    Continue Reading

  • Yastremska eliminates Gauff at Wimbledon: “I was on fire”

    Yastremska eliminates Gauff at Wimbledon: “I was on fire”

    Gauff led the head-to-head 3-0, with all those meetings coming on clay. The most recent was in Madrid, at altitude, where Yastremska showed how dangerous she could be.

    Gauff prevailed 0-6 6-2 7-5, but under the No.1 Court roof at Wimbledon she confronted an opponent perfectly suited to the conditions – and who possesses the game to go further this fortnight.

    “I was actually on fire,” Yastremska smiled. “I really, really enjoyed playing on Court 1.

    “I have good memories from this court, even though last year I lost there to Donna Vekic. I still have a nice memory. This court brings me a lot of energy. I really felt it today.”

    Yastremska’s giant-killing capabilities are obvious, especially at Grand Slam level – never more so than when she powered to the Australian Open 2024 semifinals, beating Marketa Vondrouova, Emma Navarro and Victoria Azarenka along the way.

    But with her win over Gauff, Wimbledon becomes the major tournament at which she has the best winning percentage, nearing 70.

    No.1 Court was also where Yastremska appeared in the junior singles final in 2016 – demonstrating her early affection for grass – and where she made the fourth round on her women’s singles main-draw debut in 2019.

    That year she beat Sofia Kenin, the 28th seed who looms as a potential third-round opponent.

    “I feel pretty good on grass,” Yastremska declared. “I had a couple matches.”

    She’s played nine this grasscourt season, to be exact, and won seven.

    She’ll be hoping for an eighth when she faces Anastasia Zakharova next.

    Continue Reading