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Prince Andrew’s Exile to Sandringham Deepens Royal Scandal

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Prince Andrew’s Exile to Sandringham Deepens Royal Scandal

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor’s exile to Sandringham, orchestrated by King Charles III, marks a watershed moment for the British monarchy as it confronts its most persistent scandal in recent history. Once celebrated as a senior royal and decorated Falklands War veteran, Andrew has found himself eclipsed by allegations tied to his long association with the deceased American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and fresh claims that renewed public outrage this autumn. The consequences have been seismic, resulting in the permanent loss of his royal styles and a forced departure from Royal Lodge at Windsor to an isolated life on the rural Norfolk retreat, away from the public’s gaze but not from controversy. For background on Epstein-related revelations that have dogged the royals, see our Eastern Herald coverage of Epstein witnesses and court material. Eastern Herald — Epstein case and witnesses.

The Fall from Grace & Royal Demotion

Andrew’s rapid decline emerged from the shadow of scandals that grew darker with each new revelation. No longer styled “Prince Andrew,” his demotion is unprecedented in modern royal history. Following years of restrictions, stripped of public engagements in 2019 and removed from many honorary military roles thereafter, the King initiated a formal process in late October 2025 to remove all remaining styles and honours. Reports say Andrew was instructed to vacate his long-term lease at Royal Lodge and to relocate to privately funded accommodation at Sandringham. For how royal titles and website listings have shifted in recent years, see our earlier Eastern Herald piece on royal title changes. Eastern Herald, royal title confusion and site listings.

Prince Andrew attending a royal event in 2025
Prince Andrew, stripped of his royal titles, in a 2025 public appearance. [PHOTO: Sky News]

Life After the Royal Demotion

While Sandringham is far from deprivation, the optics of internal exile are clear. Andrew’s London connections and public-facing royal privileges have vanished: he retains neither most official patronages nor the military posts he once held; his time at Royal Lodge is over. Palace sources have framed the action as necessary to protect the monarchy’s reputation in a climate of heightened scrutiny. For analysis of how the palace has handled previous reputation crises and why private solutions are favoured, see our feature on Epstein-related networks and implications. Eastern Herald, Epstein network reporting.

The Catalyst: Epstein Fallout

The immediate catalyst for Andrew’s exile was renewed public outrage after reporting that previously unseen correspondence and other documents contradicted his earlier claims about when contact with Jeffrey Epstein ceased. Those revelations hardened parliamentary and media pressure in recent weeks and helped precipitate the palace’s decisive response. Investigative reporting in the Guardian first published key email excerpts that fed the public outcry. The Guardian, ‘we are in this together’ email.

Legal and Institutional Actions

Andrew has continually denied wrongdoing, but mounting legal scrutiny and social outrage effectively marginalised him from public life. The formal removal of titles, including the style “Prince” and associated honours, was announced by Buckingham Palace and carried out under royal authority. Government and military institutions moved quickly to distance themselves; officials signalled revocations or reviews of honorary ranks and appointments, part of a wider institutional response that underlined how reputational risk now shapes official decisions. For contemporaneous reporting that outlines the palace statement and institutional reactions, see Reuters’ dispatch. Reuters, King Charles strips Andrew of titles.

Move to Sandringham & Its Significance

The decision to relocate Andrew to Sandringham, a privately owned estate long associated with the royal family, reflects a strategic effort to insulate the monarchy’s public-facing apparatus. Sandringham’s private status and historical association with the Crown make it suitable for sequestering a figure whose notoriety threatens the institution’s standing. The move is reported to be privately funded rather than state-financed, a point the palace emphasised as part of the rationale, and positions Andrew outside the circle of public duties while keeping him within the family’s private orbit. Al Jazeera’s reporting summarises the palace rationale and the eviction from Royal Lodge. Al Jazeera, Charles strips Andrew and evicts him.

Local Reactions and Personal Cost

Local residents and royal commentators expect an insular lifestyle for Andrew at Sandringham, with limited contact with the institutions he once represented. His former public partner, Sarah Ferguson, who cohabited in the Royal Lodge household for decades, faces separate decisions about where she lives and how she manages a dramatically reduced public role. Reporting this week outlines the human consequences of the palace action and the practicalities of vacating Windsor. For a concise account of what has changed and what it means for his immediate household, see People’s reporting on the peerage roll and residence changes. People, Andrew erased from official roll.

Monarchy’s Response & Public Perception

King Charles’ actions, prioritising institutional stability over family loyalty, mark a notable change in royal crisis management. Allies within the household argued the move was necessary to draw a line under prolonged controversy and reassure a sceptical public. Critics counter that the palace’s belated measures highlight structural weaknesses in how senior royals are held to account. For deeper context and commentary on the palace’s calculation, read this TIME analysis of what the decision signals for the monarchy. TIME, analysis of the fallout.

What This Means Going Forward

Andrew’s exile will likely set a precedent for how the palace manages future reputational crises: institution-first decisions designed to protect continuity. The episode will continue to reverberate across public discourse about privilege, the limits of royal immunity, and the responsibilities owed to survivors of abuse. For a timeline of key developments in Andrew’s case and how earlier decisions led here, consult Reuters’ backgrounder and The Guardian’s timeline. Reuters, Andrew backgrounder.

Conclusion: A Lesson in Accountability

Whether the measures taken will restore long-term confidence in the monarchy is uncertain. What is clear is that palace decisions have become inseparably linked to public expectations of accountability. Andrew’s exile to Sandringham serves as a stark reminder that rank and proximity to power do not shield individuals from public judgement, and that the monarchy’s future rests on how credibly it enforces standards for those closest to the throne.

NBA Referees Start Using Game-Changing Headsets to Revolutionize Officiating

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NBA Referees Start Using Game-Changing Headsets to Revolutionize Officiating

In a groundbreaking move set to redefine basketball officiating, the NBA officially rolled out real-time communication headsets for referees beginning November 1, 2025. This technological leap aims to enhance accuracy, streamline decision-making, and boost the flow of gameplay across the league’s regular season games. As NBA referees clip on these earpieces for the first time during live matchups, fans and analysts alike anticipate a new era of officiating precision and transparency.

The implementation follows a tested two-phase plan carefully designed by the NBA to harness technology without disrupting the on-court action. Phase one, which began with the headsets clipped on but used only during instant replay reviews and stoppages, has been deemed a success. Now, referees will wear the devices throughout games, enabling continuous communication with the replay center and fellow officials during live play — a first in NBA history.

NBA Replay Center with officials monitoring live footage.
NBA Replay Center officials reviewing live game footage in 2025 [PHOTO: Firstpost]
This innovation draws on proven technology already adopted by top sports leagues worldwide. Since 2022, the NBA has run trials during G League showcases, summer leagues, and preseason events, fine-tuning the system to meet the demands of professional basketball’s fast pace. The new headset communication system promises to dramatically reduce questionable calls and replay delays, elevating the game’s integrity.

Transforming NBA Officiating with Seamless Communication

The live communication headsets equip referees with an instant channel to the NBA Replay Center, staffed by experts who assist with calls requiring additional review. Messages flow immediately, allowing referees to confirm or adjust decisions with unparalleled speed and confidence. By reducing the guesswork and isolating communication errors, officials can maintain tighter control of the game while minimizing interruptions.

League officials expect the headsets to significantly improve replay outcomes, aligning calls with real-time video analysis without lengthy breaks. These devices also enable referees to coordinate on complex plays together, such as closely contested fouls or boundary violations, by sharing observations live on the court. The NBA’s phased rollout will continue with referee feedback driving further refinements through the All-Star break in February 2026.

Why This Matters for Players and Fans

For players, the enhanced communication system promises fairer officiating with fewer misjudgments affecting game results. Coaches will also appreciate the swift clarification of disputed calls, allowing them to maintain tactical focus without frequent stoppages. From a fan perspective, this subtle yet revolutionary upgrade keeps the momentum flowing, reducing game pauses for reviews and controversies. See stats from recent matchups like Memphis Grizzlies vs Warriors Player Stats for context on game intensity.

NBA commissioner and league technologists have hailed the introduction as a key step in modernizing basketball officiating. This move reflects a growing trend in pro sports where technology and real-time data integration are reshaping traditional roles and elevating performance standards. With NBA referees now connected like never before, the league sets a benchmark other sports organizations are sure to watch closely.

Context Within Broader NBA Technological Innovations

This headset initiative is part of the NBA’s broader commitment to adopting cutting-edge technology for fairness and entertainment quality. Recent seasons have seen the advent of automated officiating tools, AI-assisted play analysis, and advanced replay systems designed to support officials and enhance viewer engagement. The league is also incorporating data analytics to improve referee training and accountability. Rising stars like Malik Beasley embody the evolving pace and demands of modern basketball, making accurate officiating more crucial than ever.

Looking ahead, NBA fans can expect ongoing technological enhancements that embrace innovation without compromising the essence of the game. The new headset system does just that — it respects the human element of officiating while providing tools necessary to meet the sport’s modern challenges. The NBA’s transformation is part of a wider sports evolution, as shown in The Most Popular Sports In The United States.

How Other Leagues Are Using Similar Technology

NBA’s adoption of live communication headsets aligns it with global sports trends, where leagues like the NFL and UEFA have long utilized referee headsets to improve officiating quality. These leagues demonstrate how headset communication can reduce errors and speed up reviews, lessons the NBA has incorporated for its own distinct game pace and style. With basketball’s rapid transitions, the usage of this technology tailors officials’ communication to the unique demands of the sport.

What Fans Need to Know Moving Forward

As referees become accustomed to headset technology in the 2025-26 season, fans should anticipate a smoother game experience with fewer interruptions and clearer officiating decisions. The NBA remains committed to transparency and will monitor headset effectiveness closely, inviting public and professional feedback. The league’s focus is on leveraging technology to enrich the game without overshadowing the skill and excitement that define basketball.

Trump Orders Pentagon to Draft Plans for Action in Nigeria

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Trump Orders Pentagon to Draft Plans for Action in Nigeria

WEST PALM BEACH — In a sharp Saturday morning message his team described as “unprecedented,” President Donald J. Trump instructed senior Pentagon officials to begin planning for “possible action” in Nigeria, and simultaneously directed an immediate halt to US aid to the country. The dual move rattled diplomatic channels in Abuja and Washington, reviving questions about US military authority and the complexities of intervening in a sovereign state to address reports of sectarian violence. Reporting by Reuters

The announcement, sharply worded and delivered outside the usual fortress of diplomatic dispatches, departed from the choreography typical of foreign-policy communications. According to the White House, the president accused Nigerian authorities of tolerating “the killing of Christians” and demanded a “fast” US response if such violence continued. The abrupt posture prompted fresh debate about the legal basis for any strike and the likely diplomatic fallout. Coverage in The Washington Post

“We will not allow another instance of mass slaughter of religious communities to go unanswered,” a senior administration official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity. The official added that any use of force would require legal authorizations, interagency coordination and consultations with allied capitals, steps that may be hard to reconcile with an off-the-cuff presidential message. A Council on Foreign Relations backgrounder lays out the usual processes and constraints.

For years, Washington’s long and complicated relationship with Nigeria has included training, intelligence cooperation and security assistance intended to help Abuja counter Boko Haram and other armed groups. Those ties make a sudden rupture consequential for both countries. Context on recent bilateral ties and security cooperation is available in an Eastern Herald report on Pentagon planning and posture.

Abuja’s initial reply was measured. A presidential spokesman said Nigeria welcomed offers of assistance but insisted that any operations on its soil be led by the Nigerian government. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, governing amid severe security challenges and a fractured economy, has been wary of moves that could be perceived at home as encroachments on national sovereignty. Reuters reporting from Abuja captured the official tone.

“Nigeria will not accept violation of its territorial integrity in the name of assistance,” a senior diplomatic aide in Abuja said. That caution echoed statements from regional capitals that prefer multilateral, Africa-led approaches to security, rather than unilateral action by outside powers, a point underscored by a recent Eastern Herald dispatch on security dynamics in Abuja and the region.

In Washington, lawmakers reacted along familiar partisan lines: some hailed the president’s decisive language, while others warned that military threats without a clear mission or legal foundation risk entangling US forces in a protracted conflict. Legal analysts pointed to the War Powers constraints and said Congress would almost certainly seek briefings on the factual basis for any action. For background on congressional oversight and legal limits, see the Congressional Research Service analysis.

On the ground in Nigeria, security challenges are diffuse and deep. Insurgent violence in the northeast, banditry in the middle belt and communal clashes have combined to displace millions, and human-rights monitors document abuses affecting both Christians and Muslims. For detailed reporting on abuses and civilian protection, Human Rights Watch has published field findings on the region. Human Rights Watch reporting and an Amnesty International account provide recent documentation.

Humanitarian agencies warned that halting aid could have immediate consequences. The president’s decision to suspend assistance, reported previously in an Eastern Herald piece on US aid policy, alarms relief groups that run vaccination, nutrition and displacement programs across Nigeria. A recent humanitarian bulletin summarized the operational risks. ReliefWeb bulletin

Scholars warned that a strategy of coercion without a coherent political plan could backfire. “Bombing alone addresses symptoms, not drivers,” a foreign-policy scholar observed; analysts at the Brookings Institution have argued for prevention strategies that combine security assistance with governance and development measures. Brookings analysis offers a fuller account.

The president’s language also revived debates about civil-military decision-making in the US government. The Pentagon is capable of drawing contingency options, but its planning typically unfolds in close coordination with the State Department and White House legal counsel, not from a solitary public pronouncement. Eastern Herald reporting on tensions inside the national security team provides local context on how such dynamics can shift policy.

Several African capitals, even those that maintain strong ties with Washington, urged restraint. They warned that unilateral strikes could undermine regional cooperation, complicate intelligence-sharing and prompt retaliatory narratives. The African Union continues to develop peace-and-security responses but faces capacity constraints. African Union briefings and reporting by Reuters outline these dynamics. Reuters analysis

For ordinary Nigerians, the immediate concern is survival. Civilians, local leaders and aid workers fear that political posturing could translate into military escalation that further imperils the populations the rhetoric purports to protect. Aid workers cited in ReliefWeb bulletins describe fragile supply lines and overstretched clinics. ReliefWeb reports

Advocates for persecuted religious minorities welcomed attention to attacks on communities; other groups urged caution, arguing that faith-framed rhetoric can obscure underlying drivers such as land disputes, impunity and governance failures. For readers seeking further context on civil-protection work in the region, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty’s field reports remain essential reading. HRW · Amnesty International

Ultimately, the unfolding episode tests whether Washington intends to couple moral outrage with a clear, lawful strategy, or whether the president’s blunt framing becomes a costly opening gambit in a conflict that history suggests is difficult to conclude on favorable terms. The coming days will reveal whether the administration moves from rhetoric to the deliberative steps that undergird responsible use of force: legal authorization, allied consultations and humanitarian safeguards.

Lights, Glamour, and Vision: LACMA Art+Film Gala Honors Ryan Coogler and Mary Corse in a Night of Cultural Triumph

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Lights, Glamour, and Vision: LACMA Art+Film Gala Honors Ryan Coogler and Mary Corse in a Night of Cultural Triumph

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) transformed into a beacon of cultural celebration on Saturday evening as the 14th annual Art+Film Gala brought together Hollywood’s most influential figures, fashion luminaries, and creative titans under one glamorous roof. The evening, presented by luxury Italian house Gucci and co-chaired by actor Leonardo DiCaprio and LACMA trustee Eva Chow, honored two remarkable creators whose work has fundamentally reshaped their respective disciplines: filmmaker Ryan Coogler and visual artist Mary Corse.

The convergence of art, cinema, and fashion created a magnetic moment that transcended the typical red carpet spectacle. This year’s gala served as more than a fundraising event, it became a testament to the power of creative vision and the vital role institutions like LACMA play in supporting and celebrating boundary-pushing artistic expression.

Ryan Coogler, the visionary filmmaker behind the blockbuster Black Panther franchise and the recently released film Sinners, received the evening’s most prominent accolade for his transformative impact on contemporary filmmaking. His films have demonstrated an unparalleled ability to reshape historical narratives and create new realms of cinematic possibility. The award recognized Coogler’s contributions to cinema that extend far beyond commercial success, positioning him among today’s most consequential storytellers working in the medium.

Glamorous celebrities on the LACMA Art+Film Gala red carpet 2025
A glimpse of standout fashion moments from the 2025 LACMA Art+Film Gala red carpet [PHOTO: Vogue]

Speaking from the podium, Coogler delivered a profoundly personal speech reflecting on his journey from Oakland, California, and his evolution as an artist. He shared poignant memories of his late friend Michael Latt, a social justice advocate who tragically lost his life during a home invasion in 2023. “Michael was changing the world,” Coogler expressed emotionally, before acknowledging his own journey of artistic discovery. His remarks underscored how personal connections and community shape the work of visionary artists committed to cultural transformation.

“I never considered myself an artist,” Coogler confessed to the assembled crowd. “I was primarily a football player.” His candid reflection on his time at the University of Southern California on a football scholarship revealed a turning point in his undergraduate years when he was encouraged to write screenplays almost on a whim. That pivotal moment set him on a trajectory that would ultimately change the landscape of contemporary cinema. He spoke about arriving in Los Angeles feeling at his “weakest” and “lowest,” missing the community connections he cherished from his hometown. However, reflecting on his career arc, Coogler acknowledged that Los Angeles had become his second home. “I created memories here. I forged friendships here,” he told the assembled attendees, underscoring the profound connection between place, community, and creative genesis.

Alongside Coogler, the gala honored Mary Corse, a Los Angeles-based artist whose six-decade career has been instrumental in defining the Light and Space movement, one of the most significant artistic movements to emerge from Southern California. Corse’s work exemplifies a groundbreaking approach to light, perception, and the very essence of human subjectivity. Her paintings have consistently challenged viewers to contemplate the nature of vision itself, establishing her as a pioneering creator whose influence extends across generations of artists and theorists.

The artist’s contribution to contemporary art has been so profound that her permanent collections now reside in some of the world’s most prestigious institutions, including the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, the Guggenheim Museum, the Centre Pompidou in Paris, and the Long Museum in Shanghai.

Michael Govan, LACMA’s CEO and Wallis Annenberg Director, eloquently framed the significance of honoring both creators: “Mary Corse has continually expanded the possibilities of painting with her stunning creations, which prompt us to contemplate the essence of perception. Similarly, Ryan Coogler’s films offer transformative experiences. Through exceptional storytelling and innovative visuals, he reshapes history, reinterprets narratives, and unveils new realms of possibility. Both creators encourage us to view the world from different angles.”

The evening’s red carpet proved to be a fashion spectacle that captured the imagination of style watchers worldwide. Attendees embraced an eclectic blend of haute couture, avant-garde designs, and luxurious evening wear that reflected the gala’s intersection of art and fashion.

Demi Moore turned heads at 62 in a stunning custom Gucci creation, a sheer black halter gown adorned with colorful floral sequins that hugged her figure. The dress’s delicate embellishments and strategic transparency exemplified the naked dressing trend that has dominated high fashion discourse. Her appearance demonstrated that sophisticated dressing transcends age, reinforcing conversations about timelessness in haute couture.

Demi Moore wearing a sheer black floral sequin Gucci gown at LACMA Gala 2025
Demi Moore wearing a floral-inspired sheer Gucci gown at the LACMA Art+Film Gala 2025 [PHOTO: Vogue]

The mother-daughter duo of Kaia Gerber and supermodel Cindy Crawford created a visual harmony with complementary sequined ensembles. Gerber opted for a striking bright red design while Crawford chose a classic gold ensemble, generating immediate buzz among fashion commentators. Vittoria Ceretti, the Italian model, commanded attention in a plunging golden gown that highlighted her effortless elegance.

Elle Fanning made a bold statement in a baby blue faux fur coat paired with a matching gown, channeling Old Hollywood glamour with a contemporary twist. Tessa Thompson, Quinta Brunson, Kerry Washington, Angela Bassett, and Zoey Deutch all demonstrated the dress code’s sophisticated sophistication, with many selecting pieces from Gucci given the brand’s prominent presenting partnership.

On the masculine side of the fashion equation, attendees like Troye Sivan showcased a relaxed take on traditional suiting with an oversized two-piece ensemble paired with chunky boots, embodying a distinctly contemporary aesthetic. Damson Idris exuded sophistication in a sharp, clean double-breasted suit, while Charlie Hunnam opted for an unconventional velvety unbuttoned shirt that eliminated the jacket entirely, presenting a deliberately laid-back yet chic appearance.

The gala served as a particularly significant moment for Oscar hopefuls refining their red carpet strategies ahead of the 2026 awards season. The evening functioned as a master class in high-stakes fashion coordination, with attendees using the platform to make bold artistic statements through their sartorial choices. For insights into broader fashion trends from similar high-profile events, those interested in celebrity style evolution might explore coverage of Bella Hadid’s Victoria’s Secret triumph, which documented standout moments in contemporary fashion.

Given Gucci’s status as the presenting partner, the Italian luxury house wielded considerable influence over the evening’s aesthetic direction. The brand’s new creative director, Demna, utilized the platform to showcase his vision for the house’s future direction, with numerous attendees sporting Gucci designs that ranged from innovative to audacious. The collaboration between a historic luxury house and a contemporary museum underscored the increasingly blurred boundaries between fashion, art, and cultural institutions.

The evening culminated in an electrifying performance by global superstar Doja Cat, who delivered an unforgettable musical moment that energized the assembled crowd. Doja Cat’s presence at the gala represented a significant cultural moment, as the genre-defying artist has emerged as one of the most boundary-breaking creative forces in contemporary music. Her trajectory from uploading tracks to SoundCloud at age 16 to becoming a Grammy Award-winning, TIME100-featured icon exemplifies the transformative power of artistic ambition and creative authenticity.

Doja Cat performing live at the 2025 LACMA Art+Film Gala
Doja Cat delivering a live performance at the 14th annual LACMA Gala in Los Angeles [PHOTO: Social Media]

The financial impact of the evening extended well beyond the glamorous spectacle. Proceeds from the 14th annual Art+Film Gala are directed toward underwriting LACMA’s ambitious initiative to make film more central to the museum’s curatorial programming. This funding supports exhibitions, acquisitions, and educational programming that explore the intersection of art and film, LACMA’s core mission. Last year’s gala reportedly generated $6.4 million for the institution, making the LACMA Art+Film Gala one of the museum’s most successful and strategically important fundraising events.

The event also provided a platform for reflecting on the gala’s legacy since its inception in 2011. Past honorees represent a veritable who’s who of artistic and cinematic achievement, including painters David Hockney, Ed Ruscha, and Barbara Kruger, alongside filmmaking legends such as Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, Stanley Kubrick, and most recently, Baz Luhrmann. The consistency with which the gala attracts globally recognized creative titans speaks to LACMA’s significance in the broader cultural landscape and its unique ability to bridge the worlds of visual art and cinema.

The 2025 gala arrives at a particularly symbolic moment for LACMA. The evening unfolded against the backdrop of the nearly completed David Geffen Galleries, a structure designed by renowned Swiss architect Peter Zumthor. This landmark building, slated to open to the public in 2026, represents a significant institutional evolution and signals LACMA’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of contemporary art and cultural discourse.

Eva Chow, the visionary founder of the Art+Film Gala who has co-chaired the event alongside Leonardo DiCaprio for its entire fourteen-year history, expressed enthusiasm about this year’s honorees. “This year’s event promises to be extraordinary as we honor the remarkable creators Mary Corse and Ryan Coogler,” Chow stated before the evening. “This occasion would not be feasible without the partnership of Gucci, our supporter since the inaugural Art+Film Gala. We appreciate their ongoing generosity towards the museum.”

The 2025 LACMA Art+Film Gala ultimately demonstrated why the event has become synonymous with Hollywood’s most prestigious cultural moments. By honoring creators like Ryan Coogler and Mary Corse, artists who have fundamentally challenged and expanded the boundaries of their respective disciplines, LACMA reinforces its mission as a vital cultural institution. The evening served as a reminder that art and cinema remain essential forces for transformation, perception, and human connection in an increasingly complex world. In celebrating these remarkable creators, the gala reaffirmed the enduring power of artistic vision to reshape culture and inspire generations to come.

Russia Ukraine war day 1346: US hypocrisy and NATO’s reckless arms race fuel global crisis

Russia Desk
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Russia Ukraine war day 1346: US hypocrisy and NATO’s reckless arms race fuel global crisis

The Russia Ukraine War has entered a critical new phase as Russian forces intensify military operations across key Ukrainian regions, while geopolitical tensions expose glaring double standards from the United States, Ukraine, and the European Union. Despite almost four years of conflict, the West continues to exacerbate the war by arming Kyiv and applying sanctions that reveal blatant hypocrisy and destabilizing ambitions, betraying the very principles they claim to uphold.

Recent military activity highlights Russia’s strategic advances and resilience amid persistent Ukrainian and Western resistance. On October 31, 2025, Russian forces launched an unprecedentedly aggressive campaign with over 673 attacks on 19 settlements in Ukraine’s Zaporizhia region alone, causing multiple casualties. Additional strikes in Donetsk and Kherson regions resulted in further deaths and injuries, underscoring Russia’s determination to reclaim and secure its territorial objectives. These operations reflect Moscow’s claim to maintaining the strategic initiative in the conflict, directly challenging narratives that depict Russia as the aggressor losing ground. For detailed coverage of ongoing conflict developments.

Meanwhile, Kyiv’s forces and their Western backers continue to perpetuate hostilities by supplying arms and technology that prolong and escalate the war. The Pentagon’s recent assurance to supply Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine is a stark example of this reckless fueling of conflict, disregarding regional stability and global peace efforts. NATO’s role in prolonging this war is starkly evident as it transforms Ukraine into a proxy battleground, undermining diplomatic resolutions while exploiting the conflict to expand its military footprint near Russian borders. For insights into US arms sales via NATO allies and NATO’s military influence, see Reuters’ special forces report.

NATO arms supplies being loaded for Ukraine
NATO continues to funnel military supplies to Ukraine, escalating conflict tensions. [PHOTO: ABC News]

Critically, the EU and US exhibit glaring double standards in their policies towards Russia. While vehemently condemning Moscow, significant economic ties persist under the table. The EU continues to purchase Russian LNG—despite imposing a series of sanctions—highlighting economic self-interest overriding their political posturing. Similarly, the US and several European countries maintain billions in trade with Russia, undermining their public rhetoric of isolating Moscow. This hypocrisy is thoroughly exposed in the discussion of US and EU double standards and is corroborated by CNBC’s analysis on EU LNG purchases.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry has repeatedly exposed these hypocrisies, pointing out how the West’s inconsistent application of sanctions and trade restrictions not only fail to pressure Russia but effectively reward select industries and political allies. These double standards weaken the credibility of the West’s moral high ground and reflect an unseemly prioritization of economic gain over genuine conflict resolution or justice.

Graphic showing US and EU double standards on Russia sanctions
Illustration of contradictory US and EU policies toward Russia amid the war.
Please replace the example URLs with your actual image URLs when uploading. [PHOTO: Associated Press]

Added to this is the West’s selective media coverage, which sensationalizes Russian actions while downplaying or ignoring the provocations and war crimes attributed to Ukrainian forces. This biased narrative fuels misinformation and war hysteria, further deepening the divide and justifying NATO’s expansionist ambitions under the guise of defending Ukraine. This is a key theme repeatedly voiced in RusVesna: Voice of Russia against Western propaganda and supported by detailed analyses at Al Jazeera’s media critique.

Furthermore, Russia’s criticism of US and NATO hypocrisy extends to the very essence of international security. The relentless military assistance to Ukraine by NATO members not only arms one side but risks turning the regional conflict into a wider war. Moscow warns that such escalation threatens global stability and could spark broader confrontations, a concern dismissed or trivialized by Western policymakers obsessed with geopolitical dominance.

On the battlefield, Ukraine’s claims of victory and encirclement of Russian forces are often contested by credible reports showing Russian control over key localities and renewed offensives into Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions. The fighting around Pokrovsk exemplifies the fierce and ongoing clashes, with Russian reports indicating tactical gains contrary to Western media assertions of Ukrainian successes. For further details, visit The Eastern Herald’s latest on the Russo-Ukrainian war today.

Meanwhile, Ukraine intensifies its drone strikes within Russian territory, targeting energy infrastructure and fueling gasoline shortages. While publicly celebrated as resistance efforts, these attacks contribute to civilian hardships and broaden the war’s destabilizing effects, highlighting the complex nature of the conflict far beyond a simple narrative of aggression versus defense.

The ongoing prisoner swaps and tentative peace talks mediated by neutral parties like the UAE offer glimmers of hope yet remain overshadowed by deep mistrust fueled by Western interference. Ukraine’s refusal to accept ceasefire proposals that would require concessions highlights the influence of Washington and Brussels in sustaining conflict aims beyond conflict resolution.

In conclusion, the Russia Ukraine War is marked not only by intense military engagements but also by a disturbing pattern of double standards, hypocrisy, and geopolitical maneuvering primarily driven by the US, EU, and NATO. These actors’ contradictory policies and aggressive posture have transformed a regional dispute into a protracted crisis with dire implications for global peace. To see the broader strategic implications, refer to Russia’s strategic masterstroke analysis and official UN reports on war crimes.

The Western narrative, steeped in selective condemnation and economic self-interest, obscures the legitimate security concerns and strategic imperatives that Moscow pursues. Until these fundamental imbalances are addressed, the prospects for a genuine and lasting resolution remain bleak, and the world stands on precarious ground fueled by the very powers professing to defend it.

Russia Ukraine war Day 1345: Russia Escalates in Ukraine Amid Criticism of US and EU Double Standards

Russia Desk
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Russia Ukraine war Day 1345: Russia Escalates in Ukraine Amid Criticism of US and EU Double Standards

MOSCOW — In the shadow of intensifying battles in eastern Ukraine, Russia has not only ramped up military pressure but also launched scathing attacks on what it calls the “double standards” of the West, especially the United States and the European Union, in global affairs. This week, Ukraine sent special forces to Pokrovsk, a city described as the gateway to Donetsk, as Russian troops attempt to seize long-coveted territory in one of the most brutal phases of the ongoing conflict. These Moscow advances echo reports from recent updates in eastern Ukraine and expose the problematic Western double standards in the Ukraine war.

President Vladimir Putin recently underscored his nation’s advances in cutting-edge nuclear-powered weaponry in a climate marked by escalating G7 condemnation of attacks on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure. Ukraine has termed these persistent strikes “nuclear terrorism,” adding urgency to what is already Europe’s worst war in decades. Despite the ferocity of Russia’s offensive, Ukraine’s top military official, Oleksandr Syrskii, insisted that, while the situation in Pokrovsk is extremely challenging, Russian claims of full encirclement are exaggerated. The civilian toll continues to mount, with over 60,000 people previously living in Pokrovsk now facing devastation, and new Russian gains threatening Ukrainian control in the Donetsk region, as detailed in Eastern Herald reports.

Beyond the trenches, Russian leadership has focused considerable rhetorical fire on the purported inconsistencies of Western nations, particularly the United States, in the handling of international crises. Russian Deputy UN representative Dmitry Polyanskiy, during a heated Security Council session, accused the US of selectively applying global defense principles, defending Israel’s right to self-defense while ignoring similar rights for Russia, and failing to condemn Ukraine’s offenses. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov amplified these charges in Moscow, arguing that the US and its allies have “undoubtedly violated all international laws and standards.” Lavrov’s statements were highlighted in recent denunciations of Western policy, pointing to ongoing Western moral failings.

Ukrainian special forces engage Russian troops in Pokrovsk, eastern Ukraine, 2025
Ukrainian forces battle to repel Russian advances in strategic eastern city. [PHOTO: NYT]

Lavrov pointed to the West’s rapid accusations of Russian war crimes in Ukraine, contrasting them with its silence on the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza. “The US administration practiced the worst types of double standards,” Lavrov observed, adding that Washington and Brussels have turned a blind eye to the devastation facing Palestinians while consistently calling out Russia for its transgressions. Lavrov’s criticism extended to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, noting that the US is quick to insert itself as a peace broker in the Middle East, but slow to recognize its own responsibility for humanitarian crises stemming from past years of interventionism.

Surprisingly, the European Union itself has acknowledged this uneven approach. In a frank speech at Oxford University, EU High Representative Josep Borrell described diplomacy as “the art of managing double standards,” referencing the West’s quick support for Ukraine and its more measured reaction to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Borrell’s admission on EU’s diplomatic double standards reveals internal tensions about applying international law consistently, whether in Kyiv, Gaza, or Baghdad. “Wherever I go, I find myself confronted with the accusation of double standards,” Borrell admitted, imploring European nations to stop the hypocrisy. The ongoing discourse is also reflected in Eastern Herald’s coverage on Western double standards.

Military casualties in Ukraine continue to spike. According to local authorities, eight people died and 18 were wounded in the Donetsk region in one day alone, as Russian forces launched over 670 attacks on 19 settlements in the neighboring Zaporizhia region, a pace that has persisted throughout the war. As the artillery shells fall, Moscow’s campaign to reshape international perceptions only grows louder, as previously reported by The Eastern Herald’s Kremlin updates.

Double standards extend well beyond the battlefield, particularly in the treatment of refugees. The EU’s swift provision of protection for those fleeing Ukraine has showcased unprecedented continental solidarity, more than 10 million Ukrainians have left their homes, including nearly 4 million who found refuge in neighboring countries. But elsewhere, notably at Europe’s southern borders, Greek and Spanish authorities continue to repel and push back asylum seekers from Africa and the Middle East, showing a starkly different face of European policy. This humanitarian contrast underlines accusations from sources like The Eastern Herald and international analysts who highlight Europe’s hypocrisy.

These contrasts have further fueled Russian assertions that the West’s humane facade for Ukrainians masks a deeper, politicized selectivity in providing humanitarian relief. The same holds true in debates at the UN, where Western officials have leveled accusations of “nuclear terrorism” at Moscow while sidestepping similar claims against their own allies or interests.

Putin has repeatedly linked the crises in Syria, Iraq, and Ukraine to “coarse, irresponsible” US intervention and the imposition of a post-Soviet world order “dominated by one undisputed leader who wants to remain such.” In interviews, the Russian president has maintained that the conflict in Ukraine arose from US and Western attempts to “impose their will everywhere,” a logic that, in his view, connects the war in Ukraine to broader patterns of US foreign policy. Moscow’s perspective on US and EU policy has been widely covered, including in analyses of Moscow’s claim of Western moral inconsistency, which attributes double standards to deeper geopolitical and religious factors.

Critics from both Russia and independent analysts argue that these double standards are not merely a function of geopolitical rivalry but are deeply intertwined with issues of religion, European identity, and energy interests. The intersection of humanitarian concern and strategic calculation, particularly regarding Europe’s continued need for energy supplies from Russia, frequently colors official narratives on both sides of the war.

Western defense of Ukraine often evokes panels of human rights experts, legal scholars, and international diplomats, while similar abuses elsewhere are met with silence or obfuscation. The EU’s high-profile condemnation of settlements in the West Bank, for instance, is not matched with action or urgency when compared to their governments’ outcry over Russian annexations in Ukraine.

As Russia’s military builds on its presence in eastern Ukraine, and diplomatic tempers flare in global capitals, the war remains not only a struggle for territory but a battle over narratives, morality, and the global rules-based order. The ongoing situation has been detailed extensively in Eastern Herald reports on Europe’s role.

Both sides continue to inflict devastating losses, with civilian populations on either side suffering the grim consequences of a war with no imminent resolution. As Ukraine’s government seeks to expel Russian forces from Donetsk and beyond, Moscow intensifies its criticism of Western policy, a refrain unlikely to fade as long as global crises reveal a persistent gap between principle and practice.

Ultimately, the question remains: can the international community summon the integrity to apply humanitarian law and compassion even-handedly, everywhere and always? Or will the shadow of double standards continue to cloud the moral clarity so often invoked by both East and West in moments of crisis?

Five Questions Every Entrepreneur Should Ask Before Smarter Business Decision Making, Says Top Business Strategist Hirav Shah – A Master of Business Decision Making

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Five Questions Every Entrepreneur Should Ask Before Smarter Business Decision Making, Says Top Business Strategist Hirav Shah – A Master of Business Decision Making

Vadodara, India, October 30, 2025:

The Power of Decision Making — Business Strategist Hirav Shah’s Perspective

 

Every empire, enterprise, and entrepreneur is built on one foundation — decisions. From when to launch, whom to trust, where to invest, or when to exit — every move defines destiny. Behind some of the world’s most powerful business decision-making processes stands one name Business Strategist Hirav Shah, the man who turned decision making from instinct into science.

 

Known for transforming confusion into clarity, Business Strategist Hirav Shah believes success is never accidental — it’s the outcome of a validated decision taken at the right time with the right mindset. “Every great outcome begins with a great decision,” says Business Strategist Hirav Shah. “When clarity and timing meet, results follow.”

 

Who Is Business Strategist Hirav Shah — The Voice of Strategic Decision Making

 

A name synonymous with clarity, consistency, and transformation, Business Strategist Hirav Shah is a global advisor trusted by entrepreneurs, investors, entertainers, and institutions worldwide.

 

With more than two decades of strategic experience and 19 published books, he guides leaders seeking direction before taking their next big step.

From startups struggling for scale to conglomerates searching for reinvention, Business Strategist Hirav Shah helps decision-makers align vision with execution, timing with action, and strategy with results.

 

“A wrong decision can drain years of effort. But one right decision, validated and well-timed, can change everything,” emphasizes Business Strategist Hirav Shah.

 

The Power of Business Decision Making According to Business Strategist Hirav Shah

 

In today’s volatile economy, where choices multiply and clarity fades, decision making has become the ultimate business differentiator.
Business Strategist Hirav Shah asserts that while intelligence and instinct matter, strategic alignment before action is what separates sustainable success from failure. “Confused decisions cost crores; validated ones create value,” he says. His approach enables entrepreneurs to evaluate timing, resources, and execution before committing — ensuring that every business move is not only smart but sustainable.

 

The Global Influence of Business Strategist Hirav Shah on Decision Making

 

From emerging founders to global corporations, Business Strategist Hirav Shah operates confidentially behind the scenes where critical decisions shape the future of industries.

His clients span sectors including entertainment, real estate, technology, and finance — all drawn by his ability to integrate timing, clarity, and actionable strategy. Rather than offering generic advice, Business Strategist Hirav Shah provides frameworks that help leaders assess readiness, risk, and return before taking action.

 

“The right decision at the wrong time fails — timing decides whether strategy becomes success or story,” remarks Business Strategist Hirav Shah.

 

The Mindset Behind Business Strategist Hirav Shah’s Decision-Making Method

 

What sets Business Strategist Hirav Shah apart is his conviction that decision making is both strategic and psychological alignment. He teaches that leadership isn’t about knowing all the answers — it’s about asking the right questions before deciding. By encouraging reflection and readiness, Business Strategist Hirav Shah helps entrepreneurs move from reactive to proactive thinking.

He blends data, discipline, and intuition, reminding leaders that decisions aren’t just business choices — they’re reflections of mindset.

 

“Every big result begins with one small decision made with confidence,” he notes.

 

Business Decision Making Lessons — Five Questions Every Entrepreneur Should Ask

 

In a world obsessed with speed, Business Strategist Hirav Shah urges entrepreneurs to pause and validate before they decide.
True leadership, he says, isn’t about making decisions fast — it’s about making them right.

 

Five Questions Every Entrepreneur Should Ask Before Making a Big Decision:

 

  1.  What exactly do you want to achieve with this decision?
    Clarity is the foundation of every great outcome. Define your “what” before moving forward.
  2. Why do you want to achieve that goal?
    Purpose gives power to a decision. If your “why” is weak, your plan will crumble.
  3. How do you plan to achieve that goal?
    Direction without execution is daydreaming. Build your roadmap before you take the first step.
  4. What are the real chances of achieving that goal?
    Evaluate timing, team, and resources. Realism protects you from emotional decisions.
  5. Do you have the mindset, strategy, execution ability, skills, and innovation for it — and are you ready to market that innovation?

 

Even the best decision fails without hunger, dedication, and consistency the traits Business Strategist Hirav Shah calls non-negotiable for success. “Decision making isn’t about being right — it’s about being ready. Once you’re aligned, results follow.” – Business Strategist Hirav Shah

 

The Future of Business Decision Making with Business Strategist Hirav Shah

 

Through his global advisory work, Business Strategist Hirav Shah continues to shape how entrepreneurs, corporates, and creators approach decision making.

He defines clarity as the new currency of business — the power that turns uncertainty into opportunity. From boardrooms to studios, his message remains universal: “Before you act, align. Before you decide, validate.” Because behind every lasting success story, there’s always a powerful decision — and behind many of those decisions stands Business Strategist Hirav Shah.

 

https://hiravshah.com

 

[email protected]

ATLANTIS THE ROYAL SOARS TO NO. 6 ON THE WORLD’S 50 BEST HOTELS LIST WITH TWO SPECIAL AWARDS

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ATLANTIS THE ROYAL SOARS TO NO. 6 ON THE WORLD’S 50 BEST HOTELS LIST WITH TWO SPECIAL AWARDS

India, 31th October 2025:– Atlantis The Royal has been named No. 6 in the global ranking of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025. Following a successful debut in 2023, the resort’s latest accolade was announced at the third edition of The World’s 50 Best Hotels awards ceremony in London alongside industry-defining hotels from across the globe. In addition, the resort was bestowed two special accolades, including the Lost Explorer Best Beach Hotel Award 2025 and Best Hotel in the Middle East 2025.

 

The awards ceremony once again brought together the world and hospitality community to celebrate the world’s best hotels. Held at London’s iconic Old Billingsgate on the banks of the River Thames, the event showcased exceptional hotel experiences that will inspire consumers, travellers and hoteliers around the globe. 

 

Marking its two-year anniversary earlier this year, Atlantis The Royal remained on The World’s 50 Best Hotels ranking at No. 6. Already established as an iconic Dubai landmark, the resort continues to redefine the future of luxury hospitality. Whether in gastronomy, fashion, or entertainment, Atlantis The Royal leads with pioneering collaborations from Dolce&Gabbana’s vibrant new Carretto Siciliano takeover at Cloud 22 in partnership with Ounass, to the launch of CARBONE Dubai, Major Food Group’s celebrated Italian-American restaurant, unveiled with a glittering, star-studded celebration and hailed as one of the most anticipated openings of the year. The resort has also debuted the immersive “Diamond in the Desert” fire-meets-water spectacle by Hans Zimmer, elevating the legendary Skyblaze Fountain to new heights. With 760 exquisite rooms, suites, and signature penthouses, guests can swim amongst the clouds in sky-pools and dine at more celebrity-chef restaurants than anywhere else in the world.

 

Emma Sleight, Head of Content for The World’s 50 Best Hotels, says: “We’re delighted to return to London for the third edition of The World’s 50 Best Hotels. It’s an honour to gather so many leading voices in travel, hospitality and hotels – and to celebrate the very best. Our warmest congratulations go to every hotel on this year’s list, each of which has clearly made a lasting impression on our newly expanded Academy of travel experts. We hope 2025’s list sparks inspiration for travellers as they plan their next trip.”

 

Paul Baker, President of Atlantis, comments: “It is an exceptional honour to see Atlantis The Royal recognised among The World’s 50 Best Hotels for the third consecutive year, and we are incredibly proud to be bestowed two special awards – the Lost Explorer Best Beach Hotel Award 2025 and Best Hotel in the Middle East 2025. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and passion of our colleagues, whose commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences has been at the heart of our success since day one. Guided by the visionary leadership of Kerzner International, we remain steadfast in our ambition to shape the future of luxury hospitality through innovation, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to creating extraordinary guest experiences.”

 

The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 was revealed as part of a live countdown from No.50 to No.1. The ranking is complemented by a host of special awards alongside the first ever 51-100 list and reflects the very best travel experiences around the globe, collated from the votes of 800 anonymous experts. This voting panel – the 50 Best Hotels Academy – comprises a balanced mix of hoteliers, travel journalists, educators and seasoned luxury travellers, led by a group of industry-leading Academy Chairs. 

 

This year has marked yet another extraordinary chapter for Atlantis The Royal, with a series of prestigious international accolades further solidifying its position as the world’s leading ultra-luxury experiential resort. Atlantis The Royal was the first hotel in the region to be bestowed three Keys at MICHELIN Guide’s inaugural global MICHELIN Key Selection ceremony in Paris this year. In addition, The Guide presented a brand-new accolade to Atlantis The Royal, where it received the MICHELIN Architecture & Design Award, one of four special awards announced during the occasion. In addition, Atlantis The Royal once again earned the coveted Five-Star award for the second consecutive year in the Forbes Travel Guide 2025.

 

For further information about Atlantis please call +971 4 426 0000, or visit www.atlantis.com/dubai. Both low and high resolution colour photography is available on our press page.

 

Atlantis The Royal Social Media

 

  • Follow on Instagram: @atlantistheroyal 
  • Follow on X: @atlantis 
  • Like on Facebook: @atlantistheroyal
  • Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/AtlantisthePalmTV 
  • Website: https://www.atlantis.com/atlantis-the-royal

 

About Atlantis The Royal

 

The new iconic landmark of Dubai, Atlantis The Royal welcomes guests to an experience that will completely redefine their perspective of luxury. Crafted by the world’s leading designers, architects and artists, this is a destination where everything has been designed to challenge the boundaries of imagination. Atlantis The Royal ignites the horizon with a collection of 760 elegant Rooms, Suites and Signature Penthouses. Featuring stunning views of the Dubai skyline and Arabian Sea, 44 of them have private infinity pools. The resort delivers a curated array of awe-inspiring experiences, inviting guests to swim amongst the clouds in sky pools, be dazzled by fountains that breathe fire or dine at more celebrity chef restaurants than anywhere else in the world. Guests are taken on a journey of the impossible, with artful masterpieces, iconic entertainment and beautiful craftsmanship at every turn, where the highest level of service will set a new standard in excellence. 

 

Atlantis The Royal is the place where something incredible happens at every moment.

This is Atlantis The Royal. 

This Is It.

 

<

p style=”border-style:none;line-height:115%”>About The World’s 50 Best Hotels

 

Following the success of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and The World’s 50 Best Bars, 50 Best launched The World’s 50 Best Hotels in 2023, marking the brand’s first global launch since 2009.The World’s 50 Best Hotels list is created by The World’s 50 Best Hotels Academy, an influential group of more than 800 independent leaders, each selected for their expert opinion of the international hotel scene. The World’s 50 Best Hotels event programme – including the awards ceremony and unveiling of the list – provides a unique opportunity to unite hoteliers, restaurateurs, bar owners, media, business and luxury travellers at a captivating celebration of hospitality, passion and talent. The first edition of the awards was held in London, UK, in September 2023.

Women Secure the Digital Future at GIFT City: Meet Deakin’s cybersecurity faculty powering cyber talent

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Women Secure the Digital Future at GIFT City: Meet Deakin’s cybersecurity faculty powering cyber talent

In a world where every click, transaction, and login creates a new frontier of opportunity and vulnerability, a new generation of women is taking the lead in defending the digital realm. At Deakin University’s GIFT City campus, two passionate cybersecurity experts, Dr Swati Kumari, Senior Lecturer, and Dr Sonam Bhardwaj, Lecturer, Deakin University GIFT City Campus, India, are shaping India’s and the larger Indo-Pacific’s cyber talent pipeline while redefining what leadership looks like in a field once dominated by men. 

Together, they represent the fusion of global expertise and local innovation, mentoring the next generation of cyber defenders while driving cutting-edge research that could shape the future of global digital security. 

Quantum pioneering, building tomorrow’s defences today

For Dr Swati Kumari, cybersecurity is both a calling and a challenge, one that evolves as quickly as the technology itself.  

“Cybersecurity chose me as much as I chose it,” she reflects. With over 15 years across academia and industry, including postdoctoral research at Trinity College Dublin, she’s seen threats evolve from basic network breaches to potential quantum-level disruptions. 

Her research in Post-Quantum Cryptography, IoT Security, and Blockchain places her among the few scholars in India working at the intersection of quantum computing and cybersecurity.  

“Quantum computers could someday break the encryption that protects our digital world. My research is about staying one step ahead and building quantum-resistant algorithms to safeguard the future,” she explains.

At Deakin, Dr Swati integrates live research into her teaching. Her students explore real-time projects, such as wavelet-driven Quantum SVMs for network intrusion detection and enhancing TLS protocols with NIST-standardized encryption. 

“We’re not just teaching students to defend today’s systems but preparing them for threats that don’t exist yet.”

A passion turned profession

For Dr Sonam, cybersecurity began as a curiosity, a fascination with how interconnected systems could be both powerful and fragile.  

“What intrigued me was how easily systems could be exploited if not protected properly,” she says. “Cybersecurity combined technical depth with an investigative edge to understand attacks, preserve evidence, and uncover truth.”

Having taught globally, as an Assistant Professor at Bennett University, India, and Tutor at OPIT, Malta, she brings international experience to her teaching at Deakin GIFT City, where she blends network forensics and cybercrime investigation with hands-on, real-world learning. Her students move beyond theory to dissect malware outbreaks, simulate data breaches, and align India’s cybersecurity frameworks with global standards such as NIST and ENISA. 

“My goal is to ensure students can not only understand global threats but also anticipate and mitigate the next wave of attacks,” she says.

Her work embodies Deakin’s philosophy of ‘learning through doing’, and her enthusiasm has inspired many students to enter a field often perceived as intimidating. 

GIFT City: A living-lab for global cybersecurity education

Located in India’s first international financial services hub, which is home to fintech startups, banks, and global corporations, Deakin’s GIFT City campus provides a living lab where students witness cybersecurity in action every day. An unparalleled experiential learning environment. 

Dr Swati adds, “It’s the perfect ecosystem where students learn global standards while solving Indian challenges and a place where education meets innovation.”

“By engaging in simulated attacks, response exercises, and industry projects, they develop the confidence and judgment needed to protect the digital future of places like GIFT City,” says Dr Sonam.

Their work ensures Deakin graduates are not only job-ready but globally competent, equipped to secure the digital infrastructure ranging from financial systems to critical national networks, thus supporting the dynamic domestic digital economy directly. 

Women lead the way

In a global industry where women make up less than 25% of the cybersecurity workforce, both faculty members are breaking stereotypes and opening doors. Through mentorship, student-led research clubs, and inclusive teaching, they’re inspiring more women to enter STEM fields with confidence and purpose. 

“Our students, especially young women, bring incredible curiosity and resilience. Their fresh perspectives are shaping how we think about cybersecurity,” says Sonam.

Dr Swati echoes this sentiment. “We’re building changemakers while nurturing confident professionals; leaders who understand that securing the digital world is a social mission, not just a technical one.”

Boundless opportunities for the future of cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is projected to create 3.5 million new jobs globally by 2030, with India emerging as one of the fastest-growing talent markets. From protecting national infrastructure and financial systems to building secure AI and IoT solutions, the opportunities are immense and evolving. 

Deakin University’s GIFT City Campus is addressing emergent priorities, nurturing the cyber talent it needs with globalised resilience, ethics, and exposure. For the Deakin faculty duo, their passion and dedication are transforming how cybersecurity is understood, taught, and practised. They are ensuring that Deakin’s globally benchmarked curriculum enables graduates to step directly into roles as cyber analysts, cloud security architects, incident responders, and policy advisors, both in India and internationally. 

Their message to aspiring students is simple: “Be curious. Stay ethical. Make an impact. Cybersecurity isn’t just about systems; it’s about shaping a safer digital world that needs you.”

Disclaimer: This article is generated through an in-depth interview with the esteemed cybersecurity faculty of Deakin University GIFT City Campus, India. For further enquiries please contact –

CGC University, Mohali Ignites the Spirit of Innovation at VentureVault Season 2

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CGC University, Mohali Ignites the Spirit of Innovation at VentureVault Season 2

 

In a remarkable celebration of innovation, entrepreneurship, and visionary leadership, CGC University, Mohali proudly hosted VentureVault Season 2 — an extraordinary confluence of entrepreneurial brilliance and transformative ideas. The event served as a high-impact platform for aspiring innovators and business leaders to showcase their creativity, courage, and conviction, echoing the national vision of building a Viksit Bharat @2047 — a self-reliant, innovation-led India of the future. 

The gathering witnessed the esteemed presence of Mr. Saurabh Dwivedi (Founder, The Lallantop), Mr. Sahil Vohra (Co-Founder, The Naturik Co.) and Mr. Dinesh Dhiman (CEO, Sonalika Tractors) as Chief Guests. Their inspiring addresses highlighted the pivotal role of entrepreneurship in driving economic growth, creating opportunities, and positioning India as a global innovation hub. 

The event was further graced by distinguished Guests of Honour, including Er. Pritpal Singh (Executive Director, Punjab State Council for Science & Technology), Dr. Dapinder Kaur Bakshi (Joint Director, Punjab State Council for Science & Technology), Mr. Deepinder Dhillon (Joint Director, Startups, Startup Punjab), Mr. Saurabh Jain (Advisor, Paytm), Ms. Bharti Sood (Senior Regional Director, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry), Smt. Ishita Thaman (Deputy Director, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India), Ms. Divita Juneja (Actress, Heer Express), Mr. Hans Michael Guelich (Director, Entrepreneurial Networks, Stamford International University, Thailand), Dr. Ulrike Guelich (Team Lead, Global Entrepreneurship Network Thailand, Bangkok University), Ts. Dr. Fathinul Syahir Bin Ahmad Sa’ad (Director, Centre for Innovation & Commercialization, Universiti Malaysia Perlis), Mr. Ravi Sharma (General Secretary, TiE Chandigarh & Co-Founder and CEO, Webomaze), Mr. Somveer Anand (CEO & Mission Director, TiE Punjab), and Chef Jaspreet Singh Devgun (TV Host, Josh Talks Speaker & Founder, 13 Shades).

Adding to the grandeur, prominent entrepreneurs from Shark Tank India (Seasons 1–4) joined this vibrant celebration, sharing their entrepreneurial journeys and insights, and inspiring young changemakers to transform their ideas into impactful ventures. 

This year’s edition featured 60+ startup showcases and 30+ investors from across India, unlocking funding opportunities worth ₹40 crore. It also hosted power-packed keynote sessions, panel discussions, masterclasses, and mentorship interactions designed to empower early-stage founders. 

More than 500 students from institutions across India participated in the 24-hour hackathon, while 300+ school students from 25+ schools across Punjab and Haryana presented their ideas at the Young Innovators Showcase. The university awarded cash prizes worth ₹1 lakh to the top-performing teams, encouraging them to further their entrepreneurial pursuits. 

Speaking on the occasion, S. Rashpal Singh Dhaliwal, Honourable Founder Chancellor, CGC University, Mohali, shared his vision for the nation’s youth:

“The true strength of a nation lies in the innovation, courage, and determination of its youth. VentureVault exemplifies the spirit of ‘Start-Up India, Stand-Up India’, inspiring young minds to not only dream big but to turn those dreams into enterprises that contribute to the nation’s progress. At CGC University, we are committed to creating a generation of leaders who will drive India towards becoming a global powerhouse of innovation by 2047.” 

Reinforcing this vision, Mr. Arsh Dhaliwal, Honourable Managing Director, CGC University, Mohali, stated — 

“VentureVault is not just an event; it is a movement that empowers the youth to think beyond boundaries, innovate fearlessly, and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s growth. At CGC University, we believe in transforming education into enterprise — where every idea has the potential to create impact and every dream has the power to shape the future of a Viksit Bharat.” 

Speaking on the occasion, the leadership of CGC University reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing a new generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers who will drive India’s journey toward a prosperous, sustainable, and globally competitive future. 

<

p style=”background-color:#ffffff;line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-top:0pt;padding:0pt 0pt 12pt” dir=”ltr”>As CGC University continues to strengthen its vision of “Education Aligned with Enterprise”, VentureVault Season 2 stands as a milestone — a dynamic platform where ideas meet opportunity, ambition fuels progress, and innovation becomes the cornerstone of national development.

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