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Gulf Today
03-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Business conditions improve sharply as hiring growth surges in S. Arabia
Saudi Arabian non-oil private sector business conditions strengthened in June, according to the latest PMI survey data, as client demand rose markedly and output expanded. Increased volumes of new work spurred an acceleration in hiring activity, resulting in the sharpest rise in employment levels since May 2011. This surge in demand for staff contributed to a record increase in wage costs, which added to overall cost pressures and led to a renewed rise in output prices. The headline figure is the seasonally adjusted Riyad Bank Saudi Arabia Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI). The PMI is a weighted average of the following five indices: New Orders (30%), Output (25%), Employment (20%), Suppliers' Delivery Times (15%) and Stocks of Purchases (10%). For the PMI calculation the Suppliers' Delivery Times Index is inverted so that it moves in a comparable direction to the other indices. The headline PMI rose from 55.8 in May to a three-month high of 57.2 in June, indicating a stronger improvement in the health of the non-oil private sector economy. The index was slightly above its long-run average of 56.9. Non-oil companies reported a further rise in new orders in June, with the rate of growth continuing to accelerate from its recent low in April. Surveyed firms frequently noted the acquisition of new clients and the benefits of enhanced marketing and improved demand conditions. Domestic sales were the primary driver of this upturn, while sales to foreign clients increased only slightly. The improvement in demand resulted in another expansion of output at the end of the second quarter. However, the pace of activity growth eased slightly to a ten-month low. A sizable increase in purchasing was also observed, as businesses sought greater inputs to fulfil new orders. The rate of purchasing growth was the fastest recorded in two years. Naif Al-Ghaith PhD, Chief Economist at Riyad Bank, said: 'The non-oil economy in Saudi Arabia strengthened further in June 2025, with the PMI climbing to 57.2 from 55.8 in May. The latest reading reflects a strong improvement in overall business conditions, supported by higher output levels, rising demand, and an active labour market. Firms largely linked the pickup in activity to improving sales, new project starts, and better demand conditions, although the pace of output growth was softer compared to previous highs. 'New orders continued to lead the expansion, registering the fastest growth in four months and surpassing the long-run trend. Businesses credited this increase to stronger demand, effective marketing strategies, and improved client acquisition. In parallel, purchasing activity accelerated to a two-year high as firms responded to rising input needs, with nearly 40% of respondents increasing their purchases. Hiring also surged sharply, recording the fastest rate of job creation since May 2011, as companies actively expanded their frontline and skilled teams to meet higher workloads. 'On the future outlook, sentiment among non-oil businesses remains highly positive. Confidence about future activity climbed to a two-year peak, supported by healthy order pipelines and stronger domestic economic conditions. However, cost pressures became more pronounced in June. Staff costs rose at a record pace as firms worked to retain talent, while purchase prices saw their fastest increase since February, partly driven by stronger demand and rising geopolitical risks. Despite these cost challenges, firms broadly raised their selling prices, reversing the declines seen in May and signalling an improved ability to pass on higher costs to customers.' Meanwhile, a notable outcome from the latest survey was the quickening rate of employment growth. In an effort to rapidly expand teams to manage incoming work, Saudi Arabian non-oil firms increased their staffing levels to the greatest extent since mid-2011. This historically strong increase continued a robust period of job creation seen since the start of 2025, with panellists frequently citing high demand for skilled staff as a driving force behind intensified recruitment efforts and increased salary offers. Consequently, overall staff costs rose at the fastest pace since the survey began in 2009. With firms also facing greater input cost pressures associated with rising material prices, the latest survey data revealed a renewed increase in prices charged to customers in June. The markup was solid and the strongest recorded since the end of 2023, following reductions in two of the past three months. The increase in charges were mainly attributed to the pass-through of rising overheads to clients, although some businesses opted to cut prices as part of competitive pricing strategies. When assessing the business outlook, non-oil companies remained confident of an uplift in activity over the next 12 months, with the degree of positivity ticking up to a two-year high.
Techday NZ
01-07-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
F5 launches post-quantum cryptography tools for secure future
F5 has introduced new post-quantum cryptography (PQC) solutions designed to help organisations address the cybersecurity challenges associated with emerging quantum computing technologies. With the ongoing development of quantum computing, longstanding cryptographic defences face new risks, as current algorithms may soon become vulnerable to attack. According to an assessment from Gartner: "The motivation for IT departments to adopt post-quantum cryptography is grounded in the fact that advances in quantum computing will make asymmetric cryptography unsafe by 2029. By 2034, asymmetric cryptography will be fully breakable with quantum computing technologies." Quantum computing risk The arrival of quantum computing requires a shift in traditional cybersecurity strategies. Malicious actors have begun to employ a "harvest now, decrypt later" approach, where they collect encrypted data today in anticipation of being able to decrypt it later when quantum computing power becomes available. This affects sensitive records, including user information, financial data, healthcare details, and intellectual property. Transitioning to PQC is not a conventional system upgrade, but a structural change to cyber defences requiring careful planning and execution. Organisations attempting this without adequate preparation could be exposed to unplanned outages, operational disruptions, and compliance challenges—especially within hybrid or multicloud environments supporting a mix of legacy and modern systems. F5's platform approach F5's Application Delivery and Security Platform now integrates PQC readiness tools, supporting both application and API security. The platform is intended to equip organisations to secure systems and data without compromising performance or scalability, and is compatible with server-side and client-side encryption requirements across hybrid and legacy environments. The company states its system supports a phased migration to quantum-safe encryption, allowing organisations to combine established and quantum-resistant methods. This approach is designed to provide interoperability, and options for gradual upgrades without disrupting ongoing business. "Post-quantum threats aren't a distant problem—they're a forcing function to modernise security now," said Kunal Anand, Chief Innovation Officer at F5. "Our platform makes PQC adoption practical so enterprises can future-proof their apps, APIs, and trust models without slowing down." Features and capabilities The new PQC solutions provide several stated benefits. These include cryptographic protection for data and intellectual property using algorithms standardised by NIST, end-to-end coverage from user devices to backend services, and support for high availability. The solution is also said to include a unified management dashboard delivering insight into encrypted traffic within the security ecosystem, with support for AI-driven diagnostics and automated compliance reporting. As regulatory standards evolve to address quantum-related threats, F5 aims to help businesses remain compliant and secure, particularly during transition periods when both classical and quantum-resilient cryptographic tools may be in simultaneous use. Transition and adoption The company posits that the move to PQC does not only address a technical requirement, but also acts as a prompt for broader organisational innovation. With full proxy capabilities, the new solutions are designed to support hybrid cryptographic models, so organisations can implement PQC alongside current encryption at a pace that matches each business's operational requirements. This flexibility, according to F5, is particularly relevant for businesses dependent on applications and APIs that underpin their digital operations. The company claims its tailored support is aimed at assisting such organisations to adopt quantum-ready protocols without disruption to application delivery or user experience. F5's post-quantum cryptography readiness solutions are now available within its Application Delivery and Security Platform.
Daily Mirror
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Pete Doherty pays tribute to Babyshambles' Patrick Walden as he dies age 46
Babyshambles guitarist Patrick Walden has died, with the rock group confirming the news on social media. The band's frontman Pete Doherty has also paid tribute to his late bandmate Patrick Walden, the guitarist for the iconic band Babyshambles, sadly passed away at the age of 46. The news was confirmed on the group's social media on Friday night (20 June), with a heartfelt statement: "It is with deep regret and sadness that we share the news of Patrick Walden's death," they expressed. "We feel very fortunate to have known, loved and worked with him and we kindly ask for respect and privacy during these difficult times. Peter, Drew, Mik, Adam." Frontman Pete Doherty, who had previously hailed Walden as "the best guitar player I've ever worked with", shared the sorrowful announcement on his own pages in a tribute to the late musician. Formed by Doherty in 2003, amid a break from The Libertines due to his struggles with addiction, Babyshambles quickly made a mark with Walden's distinctive guitar playing helping to forge hits such as "Kilamangiro" and "Delivery". Despite disbanding in 2014, Walden had left the ensemble slightly earlier, in 2005, due to his own battles with drugs. Although Walden would occasionally appear at Babyshambles performances following his departure, a full comeback was never realised. Over the years Walden talked openly about his problems with drug addiction and spells of sobriety. In February 2016, Walden was found by neighbours at the bottom of a flight of concrete steps near his North London home. In 2023, Walden reflected on his sobreity in a 22 Grand Pod podcast episode. "Since I turned 40 I haven't taken a drink or anything. It's quite nice to say that. But my whole relationship towards it has changed. I don't want it anymore," he said. His contribution to music, however, endures through songs like "The Man Who Came to Stay", which showed off both his guitar skills and songwriting talent. As tributes flood in on the internet, fans remember him as a legendary figure in music, with poignant comments like: "The best guitarist of my generation. Nobody's sounded as good since Asheton in the Stooges." The Paddingtons, a fellow indie band, added: "You're gonna be missed Pat, best guitarist we ever met, one of the good guys. Rest in peace mate." A fan shared a touching memory with the musician, writing: "I'm devastated by this news. Pat was a kind soul. I remember his kind words and how he helped me after I was assaulted in Camden. An incredible musician. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. " Another person commented: "He was an absolute legend and a huge part of the iconic sound of the first album and gigs around that time I was really hoping he would be part of the reunion absolutely devastating news." Doherty is set to perform with The Libertines on Glastonbury's Pyramid Stage in a week's time. The band's current line-up includes Doherty, McConnell, Mick Withnall, and Adam Ficek.
Tom's Guide
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
The MPA becomes the latest body to target VPNs in a bid to combat piracy
The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has called for an automated blocking system to block online piracy in real-time, and bypass the need for court approval. The body represents major streaming giants including Disney+, Netflix, and Warner Bros. It has urged VPN providers, proxies, and Content Delivery Systems (CDNs), such as Cloudfare, to engage with the group and enforce dynamic blocking. Internet blocking goes against the core principles of the best VPNs and this move follows similar demands by Canal+ and the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) in France. Leading VPN providers were dealt a major blow as Canal+ won a legal case which ordered VPN providers to block illegal sports streaming sites. Whilst VPN providers don't condone the use of VPNs for illegal activities, site blocking risks a wider impact on internet freedoms. In 2023, the EU Commission published recommendations of how to combat online piracy. VPNs were not directly targeted in this report but the use of "dynamic injunctions" was part of its recommendations, as well as "cooperation" between rights holders and intermediaries. The Commission encouraged VPN providers to consider "voluntary measures to prevent their services from being misused." First reported by TorrentFreak, the MPA responded at the end of May 2025. It submitted its comments on the effectiveness of the proposals and noted inconsistencies between countries' implementation of the recommendations and complete absences in others. "Europe is missing effective and appropriate implementation of these provisions across all Member States," the MPA said. The MPA called for automated blocking techniques which would enable rightsholders to tackle piracy and copyright infringement in real-time. "MPA is therefore supportive of automated effective siteblocking mechanisms that can be updated in real-time with appropriate safeguards to address emerging infringing streams," the group said. It also cited use of this technology in other countries, saying "in Italy, Greece, Portugal and Brazil automated dynamic systems are available to rightsholders allowing effective real-time blocks." According to the MPA, collaboration is essential and more intermediaries should have a role in combating piracy. It said CDNs "have the technical capability to implement targeted blocking at the infrastructure level" but called proxies and VPNs to co-operate, saying they "provide essential services to piracy operators." Many argue that VPNs are being unfairly targeted. When Canal+ first launched legal action against a collection of VPN providers, the VPN Trust Initiative (VTI), a VPN working group, was quick to defend VPN services. It said: "VPNs are not facilitators of piracy. They neither host, store, nor promote copyrighted material. Such content is not discovered and referenced via privacy-focused VPN tools. Targeting VPN services for activities they do not enable or promote is a misguided and disproportionate approach." Following Canal+ case ruling, the Internet Infrastructure (i2) Coalition – an internet freedom and privacy advocacy group – condemned blocking orders. "This blocking approach – which has failed in the past – relies on blunt technical instruments instead of precise enforcement tools to address the actual sources of piracy. Therefore it will not reduce infringement, and will only cause widespread collateral damage." Adding that "ethically-operated VPNs do not host, store, or promote illegitimate access to copyrighted material" – they "prohibit" it. The MPA wants more to be done when it comes to identifying the operators of piracy sites. It said rightsholders should be able to use "Right of Information" requests to identify individuals and wants the EU to expand its "Know Your Business Customer (KYBC)" requirements to online intermediaries. Trustworthy VPN providers uphold strict no-logs policies, meaning they collect and store as little information as possible – with the most private VPNs collecting the bare minimum. If VPNs don't collect and store the identifiable information of their users and don't record what sites they visit, then complying with identity requests would be practically impossible. Windscribe boss Yegor Sak's recent Greek legal case highlighted how important no-logs policies are. The fact Windscribe had no identifiable data to hand over was a significant reason the case against Sak was dropped. Protecting the privacy of users is a fundamental role of VPNs and leading VPN providers would not put this at risk. Proton VPN CEO Andy Yen recently said that Proton would rather leave Switzerland than comply with a controversial proposed revision to Swiss encryption law. At this stage, there is no legal action being taken against VPNs but there is a growing, negative attitude towards VPNs and anti-piracy. We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
Hindustan Times
01-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Andhra Pradesh govt reverts to fair price shop format to supply ration, Jagan hits back
Pithapuram , The TDP-led NDA government in Andhra Pradesh on Sunday reverted to the old format of supplying rations through fair price shops and YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy slammed the administration for the move. Recently, the N Chandrababu Naidu-led government scrapped doorstep delivery of rations through Mobile Delivery Units introduced by the erstwhile YSRCP regime. "Beneficiaries can now collect rations from any fair price shop, not just the registered dealer. Home delivery is arranged for over 15 lakh senior citizens and differently-abled persons," said Civil Supplies Minister N Manohar in an official release. The initiative covers over 1 crore families statewide, allowing ration collection from any nearby fair price shop, "improving convenience and accessibility for beneficiaries across the state". The minister alleged that the previous government misused nearly ₹17,000 crore of public funds under the name of home ration delivery. Manohar asserted that about ₹385 crore worth of public funds will be saved through distribution through ration shops, with dealers being monitored using technology and a dedicated app for transparency. Rejecting the allegations, YSRCP chief Reddy, in a post on 'X', said: "Naidu has been showing a vindictive attitude towards the operators of MDU who were delivering the ration at the doorstep of the poor." He noted that before YSRCP's tenure, people allegedly suffered discrimination, poor quality rations, and had to forgo wages while waiting in queues at public distribution shops. The former chief minister further said that during his Padayatra in 2017-19, people shared their hardship in getting ration. The YSRCP government launched door delivery of quality rice to ensure transparency and eliminate longstanding malpractices across villages, he said. Scrapping MDUs has worsened public woes, risking the livelihoods of 20,000 families , he claimed. Reddy said that the MDU system helped even during calamities, and halting it would reopen the gates for malpractice and ration-related irregularities among the needy. The YSRCP chief also alleged that Naidu promised to give increments to around 33,000 Village and Ward Secretariat staff from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000, but failed. According to the government, ration shops will operate from 8 AM to Noon and 4 PM to 8 PM, including Sundays, ensuring continuous supply and easing public access to essential goods.
