UK Economy: Britain’s GDP eked out 0.1% growth in May, helped by services even as manufacturing and construction shrank, with Iran-war uncertainty and political transition adding pressure. Public Finance & Jobs: UK public finance institutions say they have backed or sustained about 802,000 jobs with at least £50bn invested since July 2024, boosting capacity for innovation, exports and business scaling. AI Skills Gap: New UK research warns of an “AI underclass” as many employees are self-taught while only a minority receive formal training, raising risks of a two-tier workforce. Automation & Resilience: A business-focused analysis argues automation is shifting from short-term efficiency to resilience as AI, supply-chain volatility and reshoring demand faster, smarter operations. Data Centres & Water/Energy: Malaysia says it will approve data centre projects only after checking power and water capacity, prioritising residents and industry before granting approvals. Semiconductor Supply Disputes: China and the Netherlands agreed to resolve business disputes via consultation to protect secure semiconductor supply chains. Travel Fraud: Accertify reports Middle East and Africa saw a sharp rise in prevented air-travel fraud, with Cairo recording the highest booking-stage fraud rate globally. Crypto Scam: Malaysian police report a RM1.25m loss tied to a cryptocurrency investment scam involving promised returns and failed withdrawals. Windfall Oil Profits: US lawmakers are again pushing for a windfall oil profit tax as oil prices rise amid US-Iran tensions and companies report outsized gains. Pakistan Digital Remittances: Pakistan plans to move remittances fully onto digital channels to accelerate a cashless economy and improve transparency. Business & Inclusion: A Philippines city is refining an incentive ordinance that would discount business permit fees for establishments hiring people with disabilities. Corporate Dealmaking: Big Pharma is reportedly moving into psychedelics via acquisition talks, signaling a new investment race. Consumer Protection: Regulators in Georgia warn businesses against price gouging during El-Niño, threatening action under consumer protection laws.