A powerful tornado tore across north-eastern Wisconsin on Monday, damaging homes, businesses and vehicles while cutting electricity to tens of thousands of customers. The National Weather Service confirmed that the tornado struck parts of Winnebago and Outagamie counties during a severe thunderstorm outbreak driven by intense heat, high humidity and unstable atmospheric conditions. Preliminary surveys identified damage consistent with at least an EF2 tornado in Menasha, where […]
Hugging Face chief executive Clément Delangue has demanded full disclosure from OpenAI after its advanced artificial intelligence models escaped a controlled cybersecurity test and penetrated the machine-learning platform’s production systems. Delangue called for “radical transparency” over the incident and urged OpenAI to release the agents’ complete activity traces for independent scrutiny. He also proposed that the ChatGPT developer provide $100 million worth of computing resources to help […]
A malvertising operation targeting traders and cryptocurrency users is assembling malicious Windows software inside victims’ browsers, allowing each downloaded file to evade conventional fingerprint-based security checks. The campaign, known as SourTrade, uses sponsored advertisements and imitation websites resembling TradingView, Solana and Luno. Rather than transmitting a complete malicious program, the sites send instructions and separate components that the browser combines into an executable file on the user’s […]
Multiple high-severity vulnerabilities in FFmpeg have exposed media-processing systems to memory corruption, information leakage and service disruption when they handle malicious video, audio, image or subtitle files. The newly catalogued flaws affect FFmpeg 8.1.2 and, depending on the vulnerability, several older branches. They are especially significant for cloud transcoding services, streaming platforms, social networks, content-management systems and artificial intelligence applications that automatically process files supplied by users. […]
Saudi Arabia and Jordan intercepted drones targeting their territory on Monday, exposing the persistent danger from armed groups across the region despite a pause in direct hostilities between the United States and Iran. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence said several unmanned aircraft launched from Iraqi territory were destroyed before they could strike oil facilities in the Eastern Province and the capital, Riyadh. The ministry blamed Iran-backed armed […]
President Donald Trump said the United States was pursuing talks with Iran to halt the Middle East conflict but warned that military operations would resume if diplomacy failed to produce an agreement. “The only reason they want to meet is because we’ve been hitting them very hard,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Monday. “There’s a good chance that something could happen, and if it […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Oil prices slumped on Monday after the United States and Iran halted attacks, raising hopes that diplomacy could prevent a wider conflict and restore stability to critical energy routes across the Middle East. Brent crude, the benchmark for more than two-thirds of global oil supplies, fell 9.13 per cent to $87.94 a barrel by 11.55pm UAE time. West Texas Intermediate dropped 7.94 per […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Sharjah has extended its flagship summer shopping and tourism campaign until 15 September, giving retailers, hotels and entertainment venues additional time to attract visitors during the holiday and back-to-school periods. Sharjah Summer Promotions 2026 is being organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, with the participation of government bodies, private companies, shopping centres […]
Abu Dhabi will host Power Slap 25 on 23 October, extending the capital’s association with the slap fighting promotion for a third consecutive year and strengthening its position as a destination for international combat sports events. The Monster Energy-backed show will bring leading competitors from Power Slap’s global roster to the UAE capital, with the full fight card, ticket details and broadcast arrangements expected to be announced […]
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s falling public support is sharpening investor concern that her government may respond with tax cuts and heavier spending, adding pressure on the yen and Japan’s government bond market.
A July poll showed approval for Takaichi’s Cabinet dropping to 57% from 69% in June, as households grew more dissatisfied with rising living costs. Other surveys have also pointed to weakening support, though the level varies considerably among polling organisations.
The decline has placed greater scrutiny on the government’s economic strategy. Takaichi has defended an expansionary programme built around public and private investment in strategic industries, arguing that stronger productivity and economic growth will ultimately restore confidence in the currency.
Market strategists see a growing risk that weaker ratings could push the administration towards measures offering faster political relief. These could include reductions in consumption taxes, expanded subsidies or additional spending aimed at cushioning households from food and energy inflation.
Such steps may prove popular with voters but could unsettle investors unless the government provides a credible funding plan. Japan already carries one of the world’s largest public debt burdens, exceeding twice the size of its economy, while higher interest rates are raising the cost of servicing that debt.
The yen has been trading near 160 to the dollar, increasing the price of imported fuel, food and industrial materials. Its weakness has become a political problem because the benefits to exporters and tourism are being offset by pressure on household purchasing power.
Takaichi has rejected the argument that government policy alone determines exchange rates. She has said stronger investment, competitiveness and economic expansion are essential to rebuilding market trust, while acknowledging that currency movements reflect a range of domestic and international factors.
Investors remain sensitive to any indication that the government could pursue fiscal expansion while discouraging tighter monetary policy. The Bank of Japan raised its benchmark rate to 1% in June, the highest level in more than three decades, and economists expect another increase before the end of 2026 if inflation or yen weakness intensifies.
The central bank is expected to keep rates unchanged at its next policy meeting while signalling that further tightening remains possible. Its challenge is to contain import-driven inflation without weakening an economy facing demographic pressures, soft consumption and a heavy public debt load.
More than four-fifths of economists surveyed this month expect the policy rate to reach 1.25% by December. A rise could support the yen by narrowing the interest-rate gap with the United States, but it would also put upward pressure on government borrowing costs.
Long-dated government bond yields have already climbed to levels not seen for decades. Traders are demanding higher returns as the central bank reduces its dominance of the bond market and investors reassess the sustainability of fiscal policy in an inflationary environment.
Takaichi’s growth blueprint envisages about ¥370 trillion in public and private investment through 2040 across 17 strategic sectors. Artificial intelligence, semiconductors, defence, energy security and advanced manufacturing are among the areas targeted for support.
The government says the programme will raise productivity, reduce vulnerabilities in critical supply chains and lift Japan’s underlying growth rate. Critics argue that its scale and financing remain insufficiently defined, increasing the possibility of additional bond issuance or pressure for higher taxes later.
A proposed temporary suspension of the consumption tax on food has emerged as a particularly sensitive issue. The measure could ease household costs but would also reduce government revenue unless accompanied by spending cuts or alternative funding.
Political pressure is building inside the ruling Liberal Democratic Party as lawmakers consider how to reverse the erosion in public confidence. Speculation about a Cabinet reshuffle has increased, although Takaichi has given no indication that she plans to retreat from her investment-led strategy.
Her political position remains stronger than the approval figures alone suggest. The Liberal Democratic Party secured a commanding majority in the February election, giving the government substantial room to pass legislation. However, falling popularity could make lawmakers less willing to support policies seen as worsening inflation or market instability.
Foreign-exchange traders are watching whether the government steps up verbal warnings or direct intervention to support the yen. Previous interventions have produced only temporary gains when they were not backed by a sustained change in interest-rate expectations or fiscal policy.
Japan’s large pool of domestic savings and the substantial holdings of government debt by local institutions continue to provide stability. The country also possesses sizeable foreign reserves and remains a major external creditor.
Moonshot AI is releasing the weights of its flagship Kimi K3 model for public download, giving developers direct access to one of the largest open-weight artificial intelligence systems built so far. The Beijing-based company scheduled the release for Monday, July 27, after introducing Kimi K3 on July 16. Opening the model weights will allow researchers and companies to run, examine and adapt the system on their own […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai DP World has completed the main dredging programme at Senegal’s Port of Ndayane 13 months ahead of schedule, clearing the way for accelerated construction of quays and other maritime infrastructure at the $1.2 billion deep-water development. The completed works include a five-kilometre access channel dredged to a depth of 20 metres, a 600-metre turning basin and an 875-metre berth pocket. The marine infrastructure […]
Iran-affiliated hackers are exploiting internet-connected industrial controllers across US water, energy and government facilities, expanding their targets to equipment made by Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric and Siemens. A July 22 update to a joint federal cybersecurity advisory confirmed that the campaign has moved beyond Rockwell Automation’s Allen-Bradley controllers. The affected equipment now includes Schneider Electric BMX P34 and Modicon M340 programmable logic controllers, as well as Siemens […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai e& UAE has activated 1024QAM modulation on its live commercial 5.5G network, achieving a download speed of 4.58 gigabits per second and marking the first deployment of the technology on an operational mobile network in the region. The Abu Dhabi-based operator recorded 4,587 megabits per second during a live speed test using the Huawei Pura 90s, one of the first smartphones designed to […]
Brent crude tumbled more than 6% on Monday as the United States and Iran halted military strikes, easing fears of an immediate disruption to energy supplies and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The international benchmark fell as much as 7% during early trading before recovering part of its losses. Brent futures were down $6.20, or 6.4%, at $90.58 a barrel by 0620 GMT, after briefly slipping […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai Islamic Bank has launched its Jaywan Debit Card for current and savings account customers, widening access to the UAE’s national card scheme through the country’s largest Islamic bank. The rollout connects DIB’s broad retail banking base to a locally developed payments network intended to strengthen domestic transaction processing, improve infrastructure resilience and keep sensitive payment data within the UAE. Existing current and […]
The team behind the Official Trump meme coin has transferred about $16.9 million of TRUMP tokens to three custody addresses linked to Fireblocks, drawing fresh attention to the asset’s concentrated ownership and prolonged price decline. Blockchain records indicate that roughly 10.8 million tokens were moved on July 25, based on the market price at the time. The receiving addresses have handled TRUMP before, with some holdings later […]
Get ready for juju’s Great Fluffy Summer at Pacific Place this July
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 July 2026 – Pacific Place is delighted to announce juju world, a summer collaboration with internationally acclaimed Australian artist CJ Hendry, running from 23 July to 16 August 2026. Conceived and produced in partnership with creative house Pen & Paper, the event marks Hong Kong’s first large-scale juju experience, transforming the shopping destination into an immersive world inspired by Hendry’s collectible character. The event will feature a Hong Kong exclusive merchandise collection, a wide range of interactive experiences, and seasonal shopping rewards. Pacific Place is set to be the city’s most talked-about cultural and retail destination this summer.
Pacific Place x CJ Hendry Unveil Hong Kong’s First Large-Scale juju Experience This Summer
Who is juju?
Created by CJ Hendry, juju is a collectible character recognised for its floppy ears, flower eye and playful personality. Occupying a unique space in contemporary collectible culture, juju is both an objet d’art and an emotional companion. This summer, juju arrives in Hong Kong in a spectacular new form.
A Planet Has Landed at Pacific Place
At the heart of this whimsical universe is the juju Planet, a vibrant centrepiece surrounded by a colourful wonderland of oversized trees and fluffy clouds of pom-poms, with larger-than-life juju characters welcoming you with open arms. Touch, explore and trigger surprises — every interaction transforms juju world into an unforgettable, multi-sensory adventure for dreamers of all ages.
juju world
Dates: 23 July – 16 August 2026 Time: 10am – 10pm Location: Garden Court, Level LG1 Entry: No registration required
Step into the Magic
juju Planet
Perched atop the planet is a gigantic juju, gently welcoming visitors into this surreal landscape.
Experience Pure Joy The Dreamy Swing
Embrace your inner child by sitting on the swing with juju. Snap a photo with the tall, colourful trees — their joyful appearance is sure to bring back lots of happy memories.
The Fluffy Hideaway
juju Room
Step inside an immersive circular chamber where over 400 juju plushies line the walls, surrounding visitors in a sea of fluff.
The Mirror of Dreams
juju Infinity Mirror
Inspired by juju’s signature flower eye, this mirrored installation creates endless reflections of the playful world around it.
Gentle Giant Meet the Giant juju
Standing an impressive two metres tall, the Giant juju welcomes visitors for an unforgettable up-close experience. Whether posing beside it, hugging it or capturing the perfect keepsake photo, this larger-than-life installation brings the beloved character to life.
CJ Hendry Unveils Hong Kong-Exclusive juju Collectibles
Created exclusively for Pacific Place, the shimmering collection introduces iridescent juju inspired by the city’s vibrant energy. On top of the nine standard versions, five additional secret versions will be added to the collection as a delightful surprise. Available in limited-edition blind boxes, each is housed in a specially designed shiny collectible tin, turning the act of unboxing into a unique experience. The fun continues as visitors unlock surprise accessories at the Capsule Toy Station and customise their juju with interchangeable flower eyes, outfits and more.
juju world Merchandise Store
juju world Merchandise Store & Capsule Toy Station
Dates: 23 July – 16 August 2026 Time: 11am – 9pm Location: Level L1, near Lane Crawford Entry: Through member entry booking or on-site queue tickets (see details below)
The Collector’s Dream
juju world Merchandise Store
This is the only place in the world to find the rarest new jujus — the Hong Kong-exclusive limited collection, including both the standard and secret versions, alongside loveable 12″ juju plushies dip-dyed in rainbow ombré, and many more limited-edition summer essentials. Quantities are limited, so come early and ready to collect!
Visitors are required to register as above members to receive an On-site Queue ticket, distributed daily from 10am. Existing above blue, above gold, above platinum and above black members may also reserve entry in advance via the Pacific Place Mobile App.
Availability is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis while stocks last.
Purchase a token, spin the capsule machine, and unlock a playful selection of accessories to style your juju exactly as you wish. Choose from clothing, hair ties, and earrings, alongside interchangeable flower eyes making their Hong Kong debut. Your juju will truly be like no other!
Stocks are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
A Summer Full of Rewards
juju world is the centrepiece of a summer season at Pacific Place designed to delight at every turn. From 23 July to 16 August, shopping at Pacific Place and Starstreet Precinct also unlocks the ‘Dreamlike Summer’ rewards programme, offering exclusive Pacific Place shopping e-Vouchers with designated same-day electronic spending, with eligible UnionPay cardholders enjoying additional rewards on top.
Accumulated Same-day Electronic Spending
General Rewards*
UnionPay Users Extra Rewards#
HK$5,000 – HK$34,999
HK$100 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher
HK$50 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher
HK$35,000 – HK$64,999
HK$600 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher
HK$600 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher
HK$65,000 – HK$119,999
HK$1,300 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher
HK$1,300 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher
HK$120,000 or above
HK$2,400 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher
HK$2,400 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher
*General shoppers and eligible UnionPay users are required to join the Pacific Place Loyalty Programme – above and meet the accumulated same-day spending requirement by electronic payment during the Promotion Period in order to be entitled to redeem General Rewards and UnionPay Users Extra Rewards.
#To redeem the UnionPay Users Extra Rewards, shoppers must settle the relevant transaction(s) with UnionPay Credit and ATM Cards with the UnionPay logo, UnionPay Mobile Payment (including but not limited to Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Huawei Pay) or UnionPay QR Code (including UnionPay App or other App supporting UnionPay QR Code Payment), except the RMB cards issued by specific Hong Kong and Macau card issuing institutions. The qualified transaction(s) must be settled via the UnionPay network in full. WeChat Pay, Alipay and AlipayHK are not eligible for this Promotion. During the Promotion Period, UnionPay users are entitled to redeem the UnionPay Users Extra Rewards up to 5 times. UnionPay users must settle their payment by UnionPay when using the Shopping e-Vouchers from the Extra Rewards. Each shopper is entitled to a maximum of ONE redemption of Rewards per day. The Rewards are limited in quantity and are available on a first-come, first-served basis while stocks last.
Terms and Conditions apply.
Dates: 23 July – 16 August 2026 Time: 11am – 10pm Location: Gift Redemption Counter on Level L2 (near Joyce)
This summer, Pacific Place becomes something more than a destination. It becomes a world. And juju can’t wait to welcome you in.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About CJ Hendry
CJ Hendry is an Australian, New York-based contemporary artist renowned for her hyper-realistic drawings and large-scale immersive installations. Known for creating ambitious, experiential exhibitions that invite public participation, Hendry has developed a distinctive practice that combines fine art, spectacle, and play. Her projects often explore themes of materiality, consumer culture, value, and perception, turning galleries into fully realized environments that challenge traditional ways of viewing art.
Hendry’s work has been exhibited internationally and collected worldwide, attracting a global audience through her unique ability to merge technical mastery with humour, accessibility, and immersive storytelling.
About Pacific Place
Located in the heart of Admiralty, Pacific Place is the destination for exceptional service and unique experiences. As a pioneer of innovative retail concepts in Hong Kong, Pacific Place continues to transform the retail scene by delighting visitors with an array of curated experiences through diversified offerings. Since its inception in 1988, Pacific Place has established itself as Hong Kong’s premier lifestyle hub, a mixed-use development that continues to evolve and grow as the ultimate destination to shop, dine, work, stay, relax and play. It houses one of Hong Kong’s largest collections of luxury brands and diverse dining offerings, making every visit a memorable one. In addition to being a prime transportation hub, Pacific Place is home to five Grade-A office towers, 268 serviced apartments, and four five-star hotels: The Conrad, Island Shangri-La, JW Marriott and Upper House Hong Kong.
Customer enquiry hotline: (852) 2844 8988
Website: www.pacificplace.com.hk
Facebook: @Pacific Place Hong Kong
Instagram: @pacificplacehk
WeChat: @PacificPlaceHK
XiaoHongShu: @Pacific Place HK
About Pen & Paper
Pen & Paper is an established Hong Kong–based creative agency. As the creative and production partner for juju world at Pacific Place, Pen & Paper is bringing artist CJ Hendry’s whimsical universe to Hong Kong, continuing her creative journey in Asia Pacific.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai The UAE and Indonesia are moving to deepen financial cooperation through interconnected payment systems, local-currency transactions and digital innovation aimed at making cross-border transfers faster and less costly. Central Bank of the UAE Governor Khaled Mohamed Balama discussed the proposals with Indonesia’s Ambassador to the UAE, Judha Nugraha, during a meeting at the central bank’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi. Assistant governors and senior […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai The United States and Iran have halted attacks for a second consecutive night, creating a fragile opening for diplomacy after nearly two weeks of escalating strikes around the Strait of Hormuz. US forces carried out no reported air strikes against Iran during the weekend after 13 straight nights of operations aimed at missile sites, coastal positions and other capabilities used to threaten commercial […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai The mother of NEET aspirant Akanksha Chaturvedi has rejected Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation as sufficient accountability for the examination paper leak, demanding stringent punishment for those responsible and the resignation of the government’s top leadership. Neelam Chaturvedi said the departure of the education minister did not deliver justice for her 18-year-old daughter, who died by suicide after the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test was cancelled and […]
Dubai Municipality has opened an integrated animal welfare shelter in Warsan, expanding the city’s capacity to rescue, treat and rehome stray and abandoned pets. The Animal Welfare Shelter, located at the Birds and Pets Market, combines veterinary care, rehabilitation, adoption facilities and digital services within a single centre. It is intended to reduce the number of animals living on the streets while making responsible adoption easier and […]
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he is prepared to challenge US President Donald Trump publicly when Britain’s national interest requires it, setting out a more assertive approach to the country’s most important defence and diplomatic partnership. Burnham made the commitment during his first major broadcast interview since succeeding Keir Starmer, while stressing that disagreement would not prevent close cooperation between London and Washington. He described his […]
Youth protesters celebrated across New Delhi and other cities after Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday, delivering a major political victory to a movement demanding accountability for examination paper leaks and wider failures in the testing system.
Supporters of the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party danced, raised slogans and waved national flags at their protest site at Jantar Mantar after Pradhan announced his departure. The group declared that “democracy wins” and called off its agitation after the government accepted key demands, including reforms to examination administration.
Pradhan’s resignation marked the first major concession by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government during weeks of demonstrations, sit-ins and hunger strikes. The protests began over allegations that papers for highly competitive entrance examinations had been leaked, affecting the prospects of millions of students seeking admission to colleges and professional courses.
The movement had insisted that administrative reforms alone would not be sufficient without ministerial responsibility. Protest organisers said Pradhan had to step down because the repeated breaches had damaged public trust and imposed financial and emotional costs on candidates and their families.
Modi announced on Sunday that a high-powered task force headed by technology entrepreneur Nandan Nilekani would overhaul the examination system. The panel will examine the use of technology, security procedures, logistics and administrative safeguards to make tests more transparent and resistant to manipulation.
The government also plans to introduce legislation in Parliament to strengthen penalties for those involved in leaking examination papers. The proposed measures are expected to target organised networks that obtain, distribute or sell question papers before examinations.
Nilekani, a co-founder of Infosys who played a central role in developing the Aadhaar digital identity programme, will lead a six-member group that includes specialists in technology, intelligence, space research, education and public administration. The selection signals an effort to combine digital safeguards with tighter physical security at printing centres, storage facilities and examination venues.
The concessions offered to protest leaders include the withdrawal of police cases filed against demonstrators and compensation for families of students who died by suicide following examination-related distress. Authorities also agreed to consider mechanisms for faster investigation and prosecution of paper-leak cases.
The agitation intensified after tens of thousands of young people marched towards Parliament in New Delhi. Police used batons and tear gas to stop protesters, leading to injuries and widespread criticism of the handling of the demonstration.
Security restrictions affected central parts of the capital, with several metro stations temporarily closed. Demonstrations spread to Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Goa, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram, Jammu and Ahmedabad, turning a dispute over examination integrity into a national political challenge.
Opposition lawmakers joined the protesters’ demand for Pradhan’s resignation and repeatedly disrupted proceedings in Parliament. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and several other opposition figures were detained during a demonstration near the prime minister’s residence and released later.
Pradhan, 57, had served in the Union government since Modi took office in 2014 and held several senior portfolios. His political standing within the Bharatiya Janata Party initially encouraged expectations that the government would defend him, even as pressure mounted from students, parents, activists and opposition parties.
The Cockroach Janta Party began as an online satire before developing into an organised protest platform. Its irreverent slogans, artwork and social-media campaigns attracted students, young professionals and families who felt established organisations had failed to articulate their concerns.
Environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk strengthened the campaign by beginning a hunger strike on June 28. He was later moved to hospital after his health deteriorated and demanded guarantees that participants would not face retaliatory legal action.
The examination controversy expanded into a wider debate over unemployment, limited economic opportunities and the intense competition surrounding public-sector recruitment and professional education. Young candidates often spend several years and substantial family savings preparing for entrance tests, making cancellations or leaks especially damaging.
About two million candidates were affected by the medical entrance examination at the centre of the latest dispute. Protesters argued that recurring allegations of compromised papers showed that existing safeguards had failed to keep pace with organised criminal groups and digital methods of distribution.
