July 1 2025, 11:01 am | BY Ricki Green | No Comments
AWARD has launched AWARD Crash, a new two-day intensive course to address one of the most pressing challenges facing agencies today: fast-tracked creatives lacking the soft skills to lead. The course will take place in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth during various dates in September and October. For details and bookings, visit the course webpage. Places are limited.
Designed for mid-to-senior creatives moving up the career ladder, Crash sharpens the critical skills rarely taught formally, from presenting ideas and navigating feedback, to managing internal dynamics and client relationships.
“Creatives have been promoted quickly over recent years, but the support systems around them haven’t always kept pace,” says Mandie van der Merwe, AWARD Chair and CCO of Saatchi & Saatchi.
“They’ve got the hard skills, yet many haven’t developed the tools to thrive in leadership roles. That can lead to internal friction, work that doesn’t land, and a loss of confidence. AWARD Crash was built to bridge that gap.”
Crash is short and practical, unlike traditional training. It combines five online sessions with a day and a half of immersive, small-group workshops and is led by some of the industry’s most respected leaders: van der Merwe, Julian Schreiber (Special), Sarah McGregor (AKQA), and Lea Walker (Mrs Walker).
Says Schreiber: “The reality is, today’s creatives aren’t just idea generators, they’re running a reputation-driven business within the business.
“Getting buy-in, collaborating effectively, understanding their role, and staying resilient under pressure are essential skills and this program has been designed to help strengthen those muscles.”
Bookings are now open for courses in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, running throughout September and October.
For details and bookings, visit the course webpage.
Tokyo – July 1, 2025 – Blackstone (NYSE:BX) today announces a key senior leadership appointment in Japan, as the firm continues to expand its footprint in the market and strengthen its commitment to Japan.
Muneya Taniguchi will join as Vice Chairman of Japan and Executive Advisor to lead the firm’s expansion, primarily focusing on western Japan. Prior to Blackstone, he was with MUFG Bank as Deputy President and with Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities as Deputy Chairman, building relationships and guiding business strategies in western Japan.
Atsuhiko Sakamoto, Head of Private Equity, Blackstone Japan, said: “We are pleased to welcome industry veteran Muneya to our Blackstone Japan team. His expertise will be invaluable as we continue to expand our presence in the market and stay differentiated through our scale and partnerships. We are coming on the heels of our most active year in Japan across businesses, investing in fantastic businesses and assets and delivering for investors.”
He continued: “Japan is an integral part of Blackstone’s global business and a key driver of our growth. We wouldn’t be where we are today without the support of our Japanese partners and investors – some who have entrusted us since our founding days 40 years ago.”
Blackstone has executed a number of high-profile transactions in the country, including investing in Tokyo Garden Terrace Kioicho, the largest real estate investment by a foreign investor; Amutus (formerly Infocom), the leading provider of digital comics; Sony Payment Services, carveout of Sony’s payment service provider; I’rom, a preeminent Japanese site management organization; and CMIC, Japan’s top contract research organization. In Private Wealth, the firm has been a pioneer, partnering with leading Japanese financial institutions to create access to its four flagship strategies to individual investors.
About Blackstone Blackstone is the world’s largest alternative asset manager. Blackstone seeks to deliver compelling returns for institutional and individual investors by strengthening the companies in which the firm invests. Blackstone’s $1.2 trillion in assets under management include global investment strategies focused on real estate, private equity, credit, infrastructure, life sciences, growth equity, secondaries and hedge funds. Further information is available at www.blackstone.com. Follow @blackstone on LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and Instagram.
Seth Rollins’ plans for domination of WWE have been made clear, though he has yet to be able to fully kick his plan into action. Rollins’ group was able to get a win in the main event of Raw on Monday, with Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed defeating Sami Zayn and Penta, but it came after Rollins was attacked on multiple fronts.
Rollins was attacked by CM Punk and LA Knight after coming to the ring to confront world heavyweight champion Gunther. That led to a match between Rollins and Knight being set for the upcoming Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Even the Breakker and Reed win wasn’t what the group wanted after Jey Uso ran in to save Zayn and Penta from a post-match beatdown.
CBS Sports was with you all night with recaps and highlights of all the action from PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh.
Jey Uso saves Sami Zayn and Penta from a Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed beatdown
CM Punk brawled with Seth Rollins after Rollins interrupted a Gunther promo. After talking about how he was going to beat Goldberg at Saturday Night’s Main Event, Gunther said he would be the one asking, “Who’s next?” This brought out Rollins, who talked about how winning Money in the Bank meant he could go on an all-out assault on both world titles. Rollins also said that as long as there was breath in his body, Punk would never hold another world title. This brought Punk running to the ring, where he brawled with Rollins until Rollins escaped through the crowd. LA Knight then jumped Rollins in the crowd and they brawled into the concession area before Rollins ran off.
Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed def. Sami Zayn & Penta via pinfall after Breakker hit a spear on Zayn. As Zayn was warming up backstage, he was attacked by Karrion Kross. Ross ended his attack by hitting Zayn in the ribs with a pipe, compromising Zayn before the night’s main event. Seth Rollins had already left the arena after being attacked multiple times earlier in the evening and Paul Heyman told Breakker and Reed to stick to the plan of taking out Zayn and Penta. Breakker finally got the win for his team after a lengthy match and then hit a spear on Penta for good measure. Reed and Breakker were set to continue the attack after the match, but Jey Uso ran in with a steel chair to make the save. Uso stood tall with Zayn and Penta after he took out both Reed and Breakker with the chair.
The main event was a fine match, as is to be expected from any televised wrestling show at this point. But the show as a whole felt like it was missing something. Instead of feeling like a significant show, everything felt like a set-up for Saturday Night’s Main Event or Evolution with very little meat for the show itself. Grade: B-
What else happened on WWE Raw?
Iyo Sky challenged Rhea Ripley to a match at Evolution. Sky said Adam Pearce said she could choose who to defend her women’s world championship against and wanted to face the best, and that meant she wanted to face Ripley.
Dominik Mysterio taunted AJ Styles with a doctor’s note saying he is not medically cleared to compete. Because of this, if Styles touches Mysterio before he is cleared, Styles will not get a shot at the intercontinental championship.
World Tag Team Championship – Finn Balor & JD McDonagh def. New Day (c) via pinfall to win the titles. McDonagh hit a moonsault on Xavier Woods followed by a Balor Coup de Grace to score the win.
Rusev def. Sheamus via pinfall with a jumping side kick. The hard-hitting match finally turned when Rusev exposed the steel turnbuckle connector and rammed Sheamus into it, leading to the finish.
Lyra Valkyria vs. Bayley ended in a double pin. Adam Pearce told the women they would meet for the No. 1 contender spot to the intercontinental championship. The match ended after a pin where both women’s shoulders were down. The two then brawled through the crowd.
Roxanne Perez officially became part of Judgment Day. After Balor and McDonagh won the tag titles, they spoke to Adam Pearce about the women’s tag title situation with Liv Morgan injured. They suggested Perez be made Raquel Rodriguez’s new partner, which was accepted with the caveat that Perez and Rodriguez would have to defend the belts at Evolution against teams from Raw, SmackDown and NXT.
Two era-defining avant garde fashion designers, Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo, will be brought together in a blockbuster summer exhibition announced on Tuesday by the National Gallery of Victoria.
It has been more than 20 years since Westwood’s work has been exhibited extensively in Australia, and the NGV show will be the first since the designer’s death in December 2023.
Linda Evangelista in a Vivienne Westwood design from 1996. Photograph: Images Press/Getty Images
Curated by the NGV, with works drawn from the museum’s extensive fashion collection supplemented by loans from the Metropolitan Museum, the V&A and others, Westwood | Kawakubo will open in Melbourne on 7 December.
Westwood came to prominence as the designer behind the tattered, torn and often obscene garments of London’s 1970s punk scene, before moving towards irreverent but historically grounded tailoring and corsetry in the early 1980s. Later her climate activism became a critical component of her life and work.
Rihanna in Comme des Garçons at the 2017 Met Gala. Photograph: Daniele Venturelli/WireImage
After establishing Comme des Garçons in her native Japan, Kawakubo appalled the fashion establishment when she began showing in Paris in 1981. Her deconstructed and distressed designs won her a fervent underground fanbase and, with the hindsight of history, they have gained critical approval too. In 2017 Kawakubo was the subject of a rare standalone exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum; it was only the second time the Costume Institute had run an exhibition of a living designer, the first being Yves Saint Laurent in 1983.
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Katie Somerville, the NGV’s senior curator of fashion and textiles and the exhibition’s co-curator, says while Westwood and Kawakubo’s works are aesthetically distinct, there is “a lovely symmetry” in the designers’ lives and practices. Both designers were self-taught and they were born a year apart. They also built businesses in an industry that was, and remains, male-dominated in its upper echelons.
When planning the exhibition, Somerville researched whether the pairing had ever been made before, “and no one had”, she says. “So that’s always a really exciting space to be in … when you can present an exhibition concept that does break new ground.”
Katie Somerville, senior curator, fashion and textiles, at the NGV poses with a 1987 Vivienne Westwood ensemble. Photograph: Eugene Hyland/National Gallery Victoria
Rather than a chronological retrospective, the exhibition will be curated thematically, with rooms devoted to punk, the designers’ engagement with the body and their historical influences.
More than 140 works will be on display, including early-career punk ensembles by Westwood, alongside a tartan gown worn by Kate Moss in the designer’s 1993-94 Anglomania collection. From Comme des Garçons there will be a custom dress worn by Rihanna to the 2017 Met Gala and 40 garments donated by Kawakubo for the exhibition.
The NGV has become known for its double-bill blockbusters, including Warhol | Ai Weiwei and Keith Haring/Jean-Michel Basquiat: Crossing Lines. Westwood | Kawakubo will be the first fashion pairing and the first to feature female artists. “I think when you bring two individual artists together … [there are] wonderful new ways of seeing their work that come out of that comparison,” Somerville says.
“We’re not for a minute saying that they’re the same or similar, but there’s enough there that connects them to make that sort of back and forth of looking at their work together … really exciting and productive.”
A protein long blamed for the brain damage seen in Alzheimer’s disease has now been found in astonishingly high levels in healthy newborn babies, challenging decades of medical dogma.
The discovery could transform our understanding of both brain development and Alzheimer’s disease itself. The protein, called p-tau217, has been viewed as a hallmark of neurodegeneration – yet a new study reveals it’s even more abundant in the brains of healthy infants.
Rather than being toxic, p-tau217 may be essential for building the brain during early development.
To understand why this matters, it helps to know what tau normally does. In healthy brains, tau is a protein that helps keep brain cells stable and allows them to communicate – essential functions for memory and overall brain function. Think of it like the beams inside a building, supporting brain cells so they can function properly.
But in Alzheimer’s disease, tau gets chemically changed into a different form called p-tau217. Instead of doing its normal job, this altered protein builds up and clumps together inside brain cells, forming tangles that impair cell function and lead to memory loss typical of the disease.
For years, scientists have assumed high levels of p-tau217 always spell trouble. The new research suggests they’ve been wrong.
An international team led by the University of Gothenburg analysed blood samples from over 400 people, including healthy newborns, young adults, elderly adults and those with Alzheimer’s disease. What they found was striking.
Premature babies had the highest concentrations of p-tau217 of anyone tested. Full-term babies came second. The earlier the birth, the higher the protein levels – yet these infants were perfectly healthy.
Premature babies have the highest levels of p-tau217. (andresr/Getty Images Signature/Canva)
These levels dropped sharply during the first months of life, remained very low in healthy adults, then rose again in people with Alzheimer’s – though never reaching the sky-high levels seen in newborns.
The pattern suggests p-tau217 plays a crucial role in early brain development, particularly in areas controlling movement and sensation that mature early in life. Rather than causing harm, the protein appears to support the building of new neural networks.
Rethinking Alzheimer’s disease
The implications are profound. First, the findings clarify how to interpret blood tests for p-tau217, recently approved by US regulators to aid dementia diagnosis. High levels don’t always signal disease – in babies, they’re part of normal, healthy brain development.
More intriguingly, the research raises a fundamental question: why can newborn brains safely handle massive amounts of p-tau217 when the same protein wreaks havoc in older adults?
If scientists can unlock this protective mechanism, it could revolutionise Alzheimer’s treatment. Understanding how infant brains manage high tau levels without forming deadly tangles might reveal entirely new therapeutic approaches.
The findings also challenge a cornerstone of Alzheimer’s research. For decades, scientists have believed p-tau217 only increases after another protein, amyloid, starts accumulating in the brain, with amyloid triggering a cascade that leads to tau tangles and dementia.
But newborns have no amyloid buildup, yet their p-tau217 levels dwarf those seen in Alzheimer’s patients. This suggests the proteins operate independently and that other biological processes – not just amyloid – regulate tau throughout life.
The research aligns with earlier animal studies. Research in mice showed tau levels peak in early development then fall sharply, mirroring the human pattern. Similarly, studies of foetal neurons found naturally high p-tau levels that decline with age.
If p-tau217 is vital for normal brain development, something must switch later in life to make it harmful. Understanding what flips this biological switch – from protective to destructive – could point to entirely new ways of preventing or treating Alzheimer’s.
For decades, Alzheimer’s research has focused almost exclusively on the damage caused by abnormal proteins. This study flips that perspective, showing one of these so-called “toxic” proteins may actually play a vital, healthy role at the start of life.
Babies’ brains might hold the blueprint for keeping tau in check. Learning its secrets could help scientists develop better ways to preserve cognitive function as we age, transforming our approach to one of medicine’s greatest challenges.
Rahul Sidhu, PhD Candidate, Neuroscience, University of Sheffield
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Astronomers in Australia picked up a strange radio signal in June 2024 — one near our planet and so powerful that, for a moment, it outshined everything else in the sky. The ensuing search for its source has sparked new questions around the growing problem of debris in Earth’s orbit.
At first, though, the researchers thought they were observing something exotic.
“We got all excited, thinking we had discovered an unknown object in the vicinity of the Earth,” said Clancy James, an associate professor at Curtin University’s Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy in Western Australia.
The data James and his colleagues were looking at came from the ASKAP radio telescope, an array of 36 dish antennas in Wajarri Yamaji Country, each about three stories tall. Normally, the team would be searching the data for a type of signal called a “fast radio burst” — a flash of energy blasting forth from distant galaxies.
“These are incredibly powerful explosions in radio (waves) that last about a millisecond,” James said. “We don’t know what’s producing them, and we’re trying to find out, because they really challenge known physics — they’re so bright. We’re also trying to use them to study the distribution of matter in the universe.”
Astronomers believe these bursts may come from magnetars, according to James. These objects are very dense remnants of dead stars with powerful magnetic fields. “Magnetars are utterly, utterly insane,” James said. “They’re the most extreme things you can get in the universe before something turns into a black hole.”
But the signal seemed to be coming from very close to Earth — so close that it couldn’t be an astronomical object. “We were able to work out it came from about 4,500 kilometers (2,800 miles) away. And we got a pretty exact match for this old satellite called Relay 2 — there are databases that you can look up to work out where any given satellite should be, and there were no other satellites anywhere near,” James said.
“We were all kind of disappointed at that, but we thought, ‘Hang on a second. What actually produced this anyway?’”
A massive short-circuit
NASA launched Relay 2, an experimental communications satellite, into orbit in 1964. It was an updated version of Relay 1, which lifted off two years earlier and was used to relay signals between the US and Europe and broadcast the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
Just three years later, with its mission concluded and both of its main instruments out of order, Relay 2 had already turned into space junk. It has since been aimlessly orbiting our planet, until James and his colleagues linked it to the weird signal they detected last year.
But could a dead satellite suddenly come back to life after decades of silence?
To try to answer that question, the astronomers wrote a paper on their analysis, set to publish Monday in the journal The Astrophysical Journal Letters.
They realized the source of the signal wasn’t a distant galactic anomaly, but something close by, when they saw that the image rendered by the telescope — a graphical representation of the data — was blurry.
Shown above is the blurry image that left the astronomers scratching their heads, with the signal as a bright spot in the center. – Marcin Glowacki
“(T)he reason we were getting this blurred image was because (the source) was in the near field of the antenna — within a few tens of thousands of kilometers,” James said. “When you have a source that’s close to the antenna, it arrives a bit later on the outer antennas, and it generates a curved wave front, as opposed to a flat one when it’s really far away.”
This mismatch in the data between the different antennas caused the blur, so to remove it, the researchers eliminated the signal coming from the outer antennas to favor only the inner part of the telescope, which is spread out over about 2.3 square miles in the Australian outback.
“When we first detected it, it looked fairly weak. But when we zoomed in, it got brighter and brighter. The whole signal is about 30 nanoseconds, or 30 billionths of a second, but the main part is just about three nanoseconds, and that’s actually at the limit of what our instrument can see,” James said. “The signal was about 2,000 or 3,000 times brighter than all the other radio data our (instrument) detects — it was by far the brightest thing in the sky, by a factor of thousands.”
The researchers have two ideas on what could have caused such a powerful spark. The main culprit was likely a buildup of static electricity on the satellite’s metal skin, which was suddenly released, James said.
“You start with a buildup of electrons on the surface of the spacecraft. The spacecraft starts charging up because of the buildup of electrons. And it keeps charging up until there’s enough of a charge that it short-circuits some component of the spacecraft, and you get a sudden spark,” he explained. “It’s exactly the same as when you rub your feet on the carpet and you then spark your friend with your finger.”
A less likely cause is the impact of a micrometeorite, a space rock no bigger than 1 millimeter (0.039 inches) in size: “A micrometeorite impacting a spacecraft (while) traveling at 20 kilometers per second or higher will basically turn the (resulting) debris from the impact into a plasma — an incredibly hot, dense gas,” James said. “And this plasma can emit a short burst of radio waves.”
However, strict circumstances would need to come into play for this micrometeorite interaction to occur, suggesting there’s a smaller chance it was the cause, according to the research. “We do know that (electrostatic) discharges can actually be quite common,” James said. “As far as humans are concerned, they’re not dangerous at all. However, they absolutely can damage a spacecraft.”
NASA launched communications satellite Relay 2 in 1964. Three years later, Relay 2’s mission was over. – NASA
A risk of confusion
Because these discharges are difficult to monitor, James believes the radio signal event shows that ground-based radio observations could reveal “weird things happening to satellites” — and that researchers could employ a much cheaper, easier-to-build device to search for similar events, rather than the sprawling telescope they used. He also speculated that because Relay 2 was an early satellite, it might be that the materials it’s made of are more prone to a buildup of static charge than modern satellites, which have been designed with this problem in mind.
But the realization that satellites can interfere with galactic observations also presents a challenge and adds to the list of threats posed by space junk. Since the dawn of the Space Age, almost 22,000 satellites have reached orbit, and a little more than half are still functioning. Over the decades, dead satellites have collided hundreds of times, creating a thick field of debris and spawning millions of tiny fragments that orbit at speeds of up to 18,000 miles per hour.
“We are trying to see basically nanosecond bursts of stuff coming at us from the universe, and if satellites can produce this as well, then we’re going to have to be really careful,” James said, referring to the possibility of confusing satellite bursts with astronomical objects. “As more and more satellites go up, that’s going to make this kind of experiment more difficult.”
James and his team’s analysis of this event is “comprehensive and sensible,” according to James Cordes, Cornell University’s George Feldstein Professor of Astronomy, who was not involved with the study. “Given that the electrostatic discharge phenomenon has been known for a long time,” he wrote in an email to CNN, “I think their interpretation is probably right. I’m not sure that the micrometeoroid idea, pitched in the paper as an alternative, is mutually exclusive. The latter could trigger the former.”
Ralph Spencer, Professor Emeritus of Radio Astronomy at the University of Manchester in the UK, who was also not involved with the work, agrees that the proposed mechanism is feasible, noting that spark discharges from GPS satellites have been detected before.
The study illustrates how astronomers must take care to not confuse radio bursts from astrophysical sources with electrostatic discharges or micrometeoroid bursts, both Cordes and Spencer pointed out.
“The results show that such narrow pulses from space may be more common than previously thought, and that careful analysis is needed to show that the radiation comes from stars and other astronomical objects rather than man-made objects close to the Earth,” Spencer added in an email.
“New experiments now in development, such as the Square Kilometre array Low frequency array (SKA-Low) being built in Australia, will be able to shed light on this new effect.”
Clarification: This story has been updated to clarify the time frame in which the strange radio signal was detected.
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Samsung Australia brings its new Smart Monitor lineup down under, helmed by a new flagship QD-OLED model M9. The Smart Monitor M9 is joined by refreshed M8 and M7 models, now offering personalised AI experiences
Samsung’s Smart Monitor M9 is now available in Australia. Image simulated for illustrative purposes. Cables not shown.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the availability of its latest Smart Monitor lineup in Australia, featuring the flagship Smart Monitor M9 (M90SF model) alongside updated Smart Monitor M8 (M80F) and Smart Monitor M7 (M70F) models. With the introduction of QD-OLED technology to the Smart Monitor M9 and Samsung Vision AI features across the lineup; the new Smart Monitor offerings provide personalised and connected screen experiences for work and entertainment.
“The Smart Monitor series continues to evolve to meet the needs of Australian consumers who are looking for premium monitor experiences that provide the best outcomes whether they are using it for work, entertainment or gaming,” said Neal Elliott, Acting Head of ProDisplay, Samsung Electronics Australia. “In pairing the best of Samsung’s QD-OLED display technology with the latest Samsung Vision AI features, the Smart Monitor M9 delivers a personalised experience with high picture quality and endless entertainment features, enabling Australians to work, watch and play in style, all within a single, versatile display.”
Image simulated for illustrative purposes. Cables not shown.
The Smart Monitor M9 introduces QD-OLEDtechnology to the Smart Monitor lineup for the first time. Its 32-inch 4K QD-OLED panel delivers deep contrast and vibrant colour, offering an immersive visual experience across productivity, streaming and gaming. Samsung OLED Safeguard+ helps maintain screen integrity over time with a proprietary cooling system designed to reduce the risk of burn-in. The M9 also features a Glare-Free display to minimise reflections and ensure consistent visibility and comfort — even in bright lighting conditions.[1]
The M9 is powered by AI Picture Optimiser, 4K AI Upscaling Pro[2] and Active Voice Amplifier (AVA) Pro, which work together to enhance picture and sound quality in real time based on content and surroundings. Whether users are watching, creating or multitasking, the display adapts automatically to deliver optimised performance.
The M9 also serves as a smart entertainment hub with access to popular streaming apps, Samsung TV Plus and Samsung Gaming Hub — which enables cloud-based gaming without a connected console or PC[3]. With a 165Hz refresh rate and a 0.03ms response time (GtG), the M9 supports smooth, fast-moving visuals ideal for high-performance use.[4]
The M9 features a slim metal design that blends premium aesthetics with functional form, creating a modern look that complements any workspace. The Smart Monitor M9 has also earned a Pantone Validated certification from Pantone. This certification highlights its advanced adaptive colour technology, which ensures an exceptional colour reproduction capability that meets Pantone’s rigorous standards for authentic colour that is nearly indistinguishable to the human eye under standard lighting conditions.[5]
Smart Monitor M8 (M80F) and M7 (M70F): Versatile Displays with AI Functionality and Enhanced Connectivity
The new Smart Monitor M8 and Smart Monitor M7 extend Samsung’s smart monitor experience to a broader audience, offering 32-inch4K UHD screens with vibrant picture quality and built-in AI features. Equipped with Samsung’s advanced VA panel technology, both models deliver sharp detail and rich contrast, making them ideal for everyday productivity, streaming and much more. Tizen OS Home also personalises recommendations and makes it easier to access frequently used services and inputs.
Designed for flexibility, all three models – M9, M8, and M7 – integrate with SmartThings[6], support Multi Control[7] between Samsung devices and offer Multi View for side-by-side working or entertainment. With Microsoft 365[8]access, users can create and edit documents directly from the monitor without a PC, making the lineup a practical solution for modern work setups.
Availability
The Smart Monitor M9 (Silver), M8 (Black) and M7 (Black and White) are available in 32-inch screen sizes and will begin rolling out nationwide from today via Samsung’s Online Store and leading retailers. The Smart Monitor M7 will also be available in a 43-inch screen size (Black). Pricing is set at dealer discretion.
Smart Monitor M90SF 32-inches (Silver). RRP: $2,499. Available via Samsung’s online store and retailers
Smart Monitor M80F 32-inches (White). RRP: $999. Exclusive to Samsung’s online store
Smart Monitor M70F 32-inches (White). RRP: $699. Exclusive to Samsung’s online store
Smart Monitor M70F 32-inches (Black). RRP: $699. Available in leading retail stores
Smart Monitor M70F 43-inches (Black). RRP: $849. Available in leading retail stores
Samsung offers up to seven years of One UI Tizen upgrades for the Smart Monitor lineup, allowing users to continue benefiting from the latest features and services over time.[9]
For more information about Samsung’s Smart Monitor lineup, please visit https://www.samsung.com/au/monitors/smart/
[1] The M9 has been independently verified as Glare Free: Reflection Glare UGR <10, Discomfort Glare UGR <22, Disability Glare UGR <34 by UL LLC. (UL Solutions), Certificate Number: V166045 – Exp. 31/12/2025
[2] Viewing experience may vary according to types of content and format. Upscaling may not apply to PC connection and Game Mode. Screen images simulated for illustrative purposes.
[3] A controller may be required depending on the specific game being played on the Gaming Hub.
Internet connection, additional gaming service subscriptions and third party apps (depending on game or service) may be required. Content services are subject to change without notice. Requires Samsung Account. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription and compatible controller required. Fees apply.
[4] Refresh rate and response time may vary based on the performance of the input source. Based on GtG measured under internal test conditions. Results may vary by content and monitor settings. GtG (Grey to Grey) measures the time taken for a monitor pixel to change from one grey value to another.
[5] Validation for Monitor colour accuracy that expresses the same colour under standard light source (D65 based) with paper texture. (Error within ΔE ≤ 3.0 level that a person cannot feel colour difference).
[6] Available technology, functions and features may vary by country, service provider, network environment or product, and are subject to change without notice. Requires a Wi Fi, Bluetooth or other wireless network connection and devices registered to SmartThings app. Connected devices are sold separately. For full compatible device list, please check https://www.smartthings.com/au
[7] Each device must be registered with a single Samsung Account and connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Multi control requires updated Galaxy phones and tablets with One UI 5.1.1 or above and Galaxy Book series devices released in 2021 or later with Samsung Settings v1.5 (Intel) or Samsung Settings v3.3(ARM). Some functions (such as Copy & Paste or Drag & Drop) may not be available when using certain device models and apps. Feature availability may vary by region.
[8] Microsoft 365 requires Microsoft account. Some features of Microsoft 365 require subscription. Windows 10 Pro, Mac OS10.5 or higher, and compatible network settings are required for this feature.
[9] Free One UI Tizen upgrades are available for Smart Monitors models released in 2023 and onward. Content and services may vary by region and are subject to change without notice. Agreement to Smart Hub Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy is required before use. Some content and services require registration and subscription. Requires Samsung account. Tizen OS upgrades will be supported for up to 7 years starting from 2025, for products released in the year 2025. Please note that the upgrade does not cover hardware-related performance, features or durability.
ISLAMABAD: Real GDP grew by 2.68 percent in fiscal year 2025, while inflation eased steadily, which is expected to remain within the range of 3-4 percent for June 2025, said Finance Division.
The Division in its monthly “Economic update and outlook June 2025” stated that cumulatively, Large Scale Manufacturing (LSM) declined by 1.5 percent during July-April fiscal year 2025, in contrast to a marginal growth of 0.3 percent recorded in the comparable period of last year.
LSM showed a mixed performance in April 2025, registering a year on year (YoY) growth of 2.3 percent while contracting by 3.2 percent month-on-month (MoM) basis. The outlook for LSM in the coming months appears positive, supported by encouraging trends in high-frequency indicators such as cement dispatches and automobile sales.
It further stated that the country’s economy continued growth momentum in fiscal year 2025, supported by strengthened macroeconomic fundamentals, prudent fiscal management, and improved external sector performance.
Current account recorded a surplus of $1.81 billion, the fiscal deficit declined, and the primary surplus reached 3.2 percent of GDP in July-April fiscal year 2025. The ongoing International Monetary Fund (IMF) programs (Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), along with upgraded credit ratings, bolstered policy credibility and investor’s sentiment.
The government remains committed to structural reforms focused on tax harmonization, energy pricing, and privatization, while also advancing climate action through dedicated initiatives to lay the foundation for inclusive and sustainable growth, it added.
The uptake in loans to private sector businesses suggests rising production activities and improved investor confidence. On the external front, higher remittances and exports will continue to keep the current account in surplus for fiscal year 2025.
The report did not include information about public sector development program (PSDP) releases. Credit flow to private sector registered Rs676.6 billion during July 1 to June 13, fiscal year 2025 against Rs323.5 billion in the comparable period of last year.
In May 2025, YoY Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation recorded at 3.5 percent, compared to 11.8 percent in May 2024. MoM, it has declined by 0.2 percent, following a 0.8 percent decrease in April and a 3.2 percent decline in May 2024.
For the Kharif season 2025-26, the federal government has set targets of 2.2 million hectares for cotton cultivation area and 10.18 million bales for production. During July-April 2025, agricultural credit disbursement reached Rs 2,066.6 billion, an increase of 15.7 percent, moving steadily toward the annual target of Rs 2,572.3 billion.
During July-April 2025, the increase in revenues outpaced the growth in expenditures, showing the effectiveness of ongoing consolidation efforts. Net federal receipts grew by 44.4 percent to Rs 8,124.2 billion during July-April 2025 from Rs 5,627.5 billion last year.
The rise in revenues is primarily contributed by 68.1 percent growth in non-tax collections. Further, tax collection witnessed a significant increase, as in July-May fiscal year 2025, it grew by 25.9 percent to Rs 10,233.9 billion from Rs 8,125.7 billion last year. The increase is attributed to a 33.8 percent increase in FED, followed by a 27.0 percent increase in direct tax, a 26.5 percent increase in sales tax, and a 16.3 percent increase in customs.
Total expenditure increased by 18.5 percent to Rs 12,948.3 billion during July-April fiscal year 2025 compared to Rs 10,922.5 billion last year. This growth in expenditure is driven by a significant increase in development spending, relative to moderate growth in current expenditures. Current spending grew by 17.8 percent, while PSDP expenditure increased by 40.6 percent.
Overall, the fiscal deficit reduced to 3.2 percent of GDP during July-April 2025 from 4.5 percent last year. While primary surplus increased to Rs 3,648.9 billion (3.2 percent of GDP) during July-April 2025 from Rs 1,611.5 billion (1.5 percent of GDP) last year. With ongoing efforts, the fiscal deficit is expected to stay well below the level observed last year.
The external account position continued to improve during July-May fiscal year 2025 on account of rising remittances and exports. The current account posted a $1.8 billion surplus, reversing the deficit of $1.6 billion last year.
Goods exports rose 4 percent to $29.7 billion, while imports increased 11.5 percent to $54.1 billion, widening the trade deficit to $24.4 billion from $20.0 billion last year. Gains in key exports were observed in knitwear (14.5 per cent), garments (16.4 per cent), and bedwear (10.6 per cent).
Increases in major imports were recorded in palm oil (26.3 per cent), electrical machinery (13.6 per cent), while crude oil imports decreased (1.7 per cent). Service exports grew 8.5 percent to $7.6 billion; imports rose 6.6 percent to $10.3 billion, resulting in a service trade deficit of $2.7 billion. IT exports increased by 18.7 percent to $3.5 billion.
Remittances reached $34.9 billion, up 28.8 percent from $27.1 billion, led by inflows from Saudi Arabia (24.4 per cent share) and UAE (20.4 per cent). Net FDI recorded at $2.0 billion compared to $2.1 billion last year. Financial services sector attracted the highest FDI ($628.9 million), followed by power ($562.8 million), and oil & gas exploration ($265.6 million) attracted the most FDI.
However, Foreign Portfolio Investment, private and public, recorded net outflows of $312.5 million and $311.9 million, respectively. As of June 13th, 2025, foreign exchange reserves stood at $17.0 billion, including $11.7 billion with the State Bank of Pakistan.
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), in its meeting held on June 16, 2025, decided to maintain the policy rate at 11 percent, citing potential inflation risks, along with external imbalances and regional uncertainties. The MPC noted that while YoY inflation in May stood at 3.5 percent, it is expected to remain within the range of 5.0 to 7.0 percent in fiscal year 2026.
During July 1stMay 30th fiscal year 2025, broad money (M2) grew by 6.3 percent, compared to 9.5 percent last year. This expansion was primarily driven by a sharp increase in Net Foreign Assets (Rs 1,279.2 billion compared to Rs 480.6 billion last year), while growth in Net Domestic Assets moderated to Rs 982.7 billion from Rs 2,460.3 billion a year earlier.
Private sector credit demonstrated significant expansion, rising to Rs 831.8 billion, more than double the Rs 351 billion recorded in the corresponding period last year. In May 2025, the KSE-100 index performed well, gained 8,365 points and closed at 119,691 points at month end. Similarly, the market capitalization of PSX increased by Rs 982billion to close at Rs 14,503 billion.
In May 2025, the Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment registered 59,995 workers, a 12.7 percent increase from 53,231 in April. The Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund, in partnership with 24 organizations, disbursed 18,525 interest-free loans worth Rs 894 million in May 2025. Since 2019, a total of 3.01 million loans amounting to Rs 117.61 billion have been provided.
During July-April fiscal year 2025, Rs 411.56 billion was spent under the BISP, representing a 29 percent increase compared to last year, against an allocation of Rs 592.5 billion.
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Power Division, Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari has written letters to all the chief ministers about the decision to discontinue the collection of electricity duty through electricity bills starting July 2025.
In his letters, the federal minister sought support of all the chief ministers in removing complexity arising from multiple charges, taxes, and duties being collected through consumer bills.
He said that high electricity tariffs are already a significant challenge, and the additional burden of various levies further complicates the billing structure, making it difficult for consumers to understand and manage their electricity costs.
Power smart app introduced to get rid of over-billing
The federal minister in his letters highlighted the federal government efforts regarding various measures to reduce power tariffs, including renegotiating Independent Power Producer (IPP) contracts, lowering the Return on Equity (ROE) for government-owned power plants, and implementing other structural reforms.
He said in parallel, we are also committed to simplifying electricity bills so that they primarily reflect the actual cost of power consumption rather than serving as a collection mechanism for various additional charges.
Leghari in his letter wrote that to achieve this objective, we are considering the removal of non-electricity-related charges from consumer bills.
“As part of this initiative, the Power Division has decided to discontinue the collection of Electricity Duty through electricity bills starting from July 2025. We request provincial governments to explore alternative mechanisms for collecting provincial levies and duties, rather than relying on electricity bills as a collection channel.” He expressed the confidence that this will not only make electricity bills more transparent and easier to comprehend but also ensure that consumers are paying only for the cost of electricity, rather than a mix of other charges.
The federal minister also sought cooperation of all the chief ministers in identifying and implementing alternative revenue collection methods instrumental in making this initiative a success.
