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Smart Journeys: How AI and IT Are Shaping the Future of Travel

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Smart Journeys: How AI and IT Are Shaping the Future of Travel

By: Nilanjan Ray, Tanmoy Majumder, Dr. Moumita Roy and Priyanka Kanjilal

In the updated world, alongside AI and IT, travelers now seek tailored experiences and ease. These two are revolutionizing the way we explore the globe. With the click of a button, one can receive their very own customized vacation, and at an overseas hotel, one can now be addressed personally with their name. Travel has been transformed into an experience that piques all the human senses. However, there is more to this change than meets the eye, as it still speaks to the more intricate shift of systems relations and structures in the market.

The AI Take-off: Revolutionizing Travel from The Ground Up

We no longer live in the world where paraffin travel agents are needed to schedule vacations, and guidebooks are inflating suitcases. The capabilities AI has to offer are undeniable because we now live in a world where algorithms forecast traveler preferences before they voice them, as noted in recent analysis by Forbes. Take the escalation of automated personalized itineraries, for example. AI has the intelligence of sifting through an individual’s search behaviors, preferences, and even social media activities to come up with a curated travel plan. AI ensures that whether you are a solo backpacker in search of elusive trails and gems, or a couple on a penchant for a spiritual retreat in a far flung corner of the world, your travel is tailor made for you. AI is not just limited to tueom planning; AI is conquering all frontiers including AI disruption management. Flight delays? Your AI powered tourism.

The Global Smart Tourism Surge

On a larger scale, smart tourism as a concept is expanding. To mitigate overcrowding at specific destinations, cities are employing advanced mapping technologies, GIS for instance. Italy is finally directing tourists away from Venice to other interesting towns that most people do not know about. In Asia, AR is popular; virtual tours that can be attended from the comfort of one’s home—let’s be real, super appealing after COVID—is a booming industry. India is also joining the race: Kerala offers virtual strolls while Rajasthan has AI-operated hotels. It’s wild how far we’ve strayed from those clunky reservation systems from the disco era.

From Clicks to Check-ins: Mobile Tech as a Game-Changer

Do you remember how traveling used to be? An endless sea of documents you had to hold for dear life? Monuments and skyscrapers would tower above you as you waited in the long airport line. Every second felt like an eternity. If you managed to get your hands on a book, using it to decode the menu wouldn’t be any easier. Losing your passport was the equivalent of losing the One Ring, except a whole lot more stressful. Thankfully, we no longer need to go through all of that. All you need now is a smartphone and access to decent WiFi. Need to book a train? Done. Searching for weird local activities? You wouldn’t believe the things you can find.

Everything is easier now that Ai is widely accessible, need help acquiring a task? It is able to assist remarkably well. Having to pay for something? Simple, with a touch of your finger or one glance at your face, it’s a seamless process.

Philanthropic Technology: A Unique Approach

The current phase of the ongoing technological transformation highlights the newly emerged role of digital technology—this time on the frontier of corporate social responsibility. Modern trade agents are trying to promote responsible travel by utilizing artificial intelligence. Such algorithms may be programmed to prefer public transport over taxis, book eco-certified hotels, or alert tourists visiting endangered species hotspots. Businesses are leveraging analytics not only to comprehend the traits of their consumers but also to modify them in a socially responsible way—like practicing responsible tourism, community-based tourism, or carbon-neutral philanthropy. This creates a unique opportunity where AI can nudge marketing toward socially responsible ends.

Data and Strategy and Insight: The Technology Driving Change

Data is the most important element of these technology-induced changes. Strong datasets are becoming common in the tourism sector owing to the need of AI. There is a growing importance of foresight in tourism as well as predictive analytics. Real-time changes in demand also trigger instantaneous adjustments in the prices of accommodations through dynamic pricing algorithms. Travel startups in India are now taking advantage of this.

In the future, the tourism sector will have to move away from a reactive to a more anticipatory and proactive model of policy-making. The regulatory bodies and government institutions will need to undertake activities that create frameworks that support technological innovation but with sustainability of the environment, inclusivity, and transparency. This way, the industry will learn to navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving digital world responsibly.

Policies in the future need to address:

  • Standardization of data protocols across regions
  • Consumer protection from algorithmic discrimination
  • Integration of sustainability indicators in digital tourism services
  • Skill-building programs for developing skills to prepare employees for the technology-driven tourism future

The Innovation Frontier: IoT, Blockchain, and Virtual Reality

Together with AI and IT, other disruptive technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and virtual reality (VR) will finally transform the tourism sector. Picture yourself strolling by landmarks while wearing smart glasses displaying real-time information on them. Or a blockchain passport for borderless, secure travel. Or watching a Himalayan trek in Nepal on VR in advance before even purchasing your ticket. These aren’t dreams of tomorrow—they’re in development. And as these technologies continue to advance, they will overlap to deliver multi-sensory, hyper-connected, and deeply immersive travel experiences.

Hyper-Personalization: Loyalty in a Digital World

The hospitality sector, long criticized for its slow rate of innovation, is finally awakening to hyper-personalization as a loyalty-building strategy. Hotels keep track of previous preferences—everything from pillow support to eating arrangements—and apply AI to re-create or surpass the experience every time a customer comes back. Airline companies are applying machine learning to automate cabin service, deliver upgrades at precisely the right time, and even identify the most likely to churn. The level of penetration, if handled ethically, can play a big role in retaining customers.

Travel and Technology: The Imperative of Sustainability

The global phenomenon of the age is climate change, and tourism’s price tag for carbon cannot be overlooked. IT and AI provide powerful means of cutting costs to the environment, anything from responding to over-tourism with predictive techniques to making travel during the off-season appealing that optimizes the utilization of resources, according to Reuters. Real-time observation systems can track tourist flows and divert them to non-congested areas. Intelligent hotel trash management, maximization of energy consumption, and AI-based water consumption analytics are only some of the ways that technology is making tourism go green,

Mapping the Future with GIS and Web Mashups

One of the most unused technologies in tourism is perhaps Geographic Information Systems (GIS). GIS technology allows planners to map out tourist movements, plan more efficient routes, and identify alternative destinations which can be promoted. Geospatial mashups and Web GIS can even be used as crisis management tools, assisting authorities to respond to natural disasters or political crises that impact tourist areas. This area requires further studies, particularly in an era where climate uncertainty continues to mold our world.

In Conclusion: A Journey Worth Taking

AI and IT did not just reposition the dynamics of travel—she redefined its very nature. An act once characterized by serendipity is being characterized by individualization, instantaneity, and data-driven decision-making. But with this privilege comes great responsibility. Stakeholders need to ensure that this tech revolution is human-centric, ethics-led, and eco-friendly. Not just the future of travel in embracing AI and IT—but embracing them with wisdom. In this age of interconnectivity, each traveler departs not just leaving footprints in the sand but digital footprints in the cloud. It is our responsibility as citizens, corporates, and nations to ensure that those footprints lead us to even more inclusive, sustainable, and enriching experiences for all.

Zionist Ursula Von der Leyen faces critical no-confidence vote amid EU Commission crisis

Qamar Munawer
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Zionist Ursula Von der Leyen faces critical no-confidence vote amid EU Commission crisis

BRUSSELS — Ursula von der Leyen, the embattled President of the EU Commission, now faces the gravest political threat of her tenure as a full-scale no-confidence vote barrels through the European Parliament. The rebellion, sparked by her unapologetic support for Israel during its Gaza genocide, her hawkish Ukraine policy, and explosive transparency scandals, has fractured Brussels and pushed Europe’s ruling elite into crisis mode.

The no-confidence vote, backed by an unusual alliance of left-wing, Green, and nationalist parties, represents one of the gravest challenges yet to von der Leyen’s presidency and threatens to disrupt the EU Commission’s political momentum, according to German DW. Though the motion requires a challenging two-thirds majority to pass, even falling short of that threshold could deal a severe political blow to von der Leyen’s authority.

“It is a ‘slam dunk for transparency,’” said Dutch MEP Raquel García Hermida‑van der Walle about the EU court’s ruling, according to Politico Europe, on the Pfizer texts.

At the heart of the no-confidence vote lies von der Leyen’s controversial actions during Israel’s illegal invasion of Gaza in October 2023 followed by ethnic cleansing. Her unilateral visit to Tel Aviv, where she expressed unqualified support for Israel without prior EU-wide consultation, has provoked sustained criticism from lawmakers across the political spectrum. Members of the Parliament have condemned this as undermining EU diplomatic neutrality and weakening collective foreign policy.

Irish MEP Clare Daly stated, “So I think, in some ways, it’s international law that’s on trial here just as much as Israel,” criticizing von der Leyen’s stance on Gaza, as Palestine Chronicle published. This criticism has deepened divisions within the European Parliament, prompting serious questions about the democratic accountability of the EU Commission’s foreign policy decisions.

Beyond Gaza, the EU Commission president’s staunch support for Ukraine, characterized by aggressive sanctions against Russia and substantial military aid, has also fueled this no-confidence vote. Critics within Parliament have accused her of circumventing democratic procedures and pushing the bloc closer to direct confrontation with Moscow, intensifying geopolitical risks for Europe.

Mounting transparency scandals have further inflamed the backlash against her leadership. Von der Leyen’s refusal to disclose communications with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla regarding vaccine contracts has prompted an ongoing case at the European Court of Justice. Critics argue this exemplifies broader concerns about democratic oversight within the EU Commission, intensifying the call for her removal.

This political turmoil is gaining international attention, with Russia closely watching developments. Kremlin-linked media including TASS have portrayed the no-confidence vote as indicative of a deeper fragmentation within the EU, exploiting the political crisis to underscore divisions within Western alliances.

Political analysts have cautioned that even if the no-confidence vote does not achieve the required two-thirds majority, Ursula von der Leyen’s presidency could face significant challenges, potentially weakening her ability to effectively lead the EU Commission.

Ursula von der Leyen’s spokesperson affirmed the Commission’s openness to democratic debate, emphasizing its commitment to acting in the interests of European citizens.

Despite her stance, a growing number of parliamentarians perceive the no-confidence vote as a critical moment for reassessing the EU Commission’s direction. Even traditionally pro-European members have raised alarms, voicing concerns over the centralization of power and the democratic legitimacy of von der Leyen’s leadership.

Regardless of the vote’s outcome, Ursula von der Leyen’s EU Commission presidency now stands at a pivotal juncture, with long-term implications for European governance and international geopolitics.

Hungary accuses Ukraine of media interference as Orban blocks EU bid after referendum backlash

Europe Desk
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Hungary accuses Ukraine of media interference as Orban blocks EU bid after referendum backlash

Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban has once again expressed sharp disapproval of Ukraine’s bid to join the European Union, citing what his government claims are acts of foreign interference and overwhelming domestic resistance. The criticism, voiced during and after the recent EU summit in Brussels, underscores deepening divisions within the bloc over how to approach Kyiv’s integration, with Budapest positioning itself as a holdout against what it sees as externally driven political pressure.

The Hungarian government said it was responding to what it described as credible intelligence regarding attempts by Ukrainian operatives to sway Hungarian public opinion through local media. The country’s national security committee has been briefed on the matter, which involves journalists allegedly working in cooperation with Ukrainian services to promote pro-Kyiv narratives.

Hungary’s media tensions intensified earlier this year when the ruling Fidesz party accused local journalists of serving Ukrainian interests. “The Ukrainian state is trying to discredit the Hungarian prime minister with the help of Hungarian and foreign journalists,” said Máté Kocsis, head of Fidesz’s parliamentary group. He claimed pro-opposition reporters were “willing to sell out their homeland for Ukrainian money.” Independent outlet Direkt36, named in a story by Magyar Nemzet, rejected the allegations as baseless, stating that “not a single word of the pro-government newspaper’s allegations is true,” hungarian media outlet Telex repoterd.

Hungarian officials alleged at a July 3 press briefing that Ukraine is actively trying to interfere in the country’s media environment in order to sway public opinion and pressure Budapest into supporting Ukraine’s accession to the EU and NATO.

Hungary’s claims come amid a widening chasm within the European bloc over how to handle Kyiv’s aspirations for deeper integration with Western institutions. While Brussels has pushed for fast-tracked accession, Budapest has remained a stubborn outlier, citing economic, strategic, and cultural misalignments.

At the heart of Orban’s latest stand is a national referendum held in Hungary, in which 95 percent of participants reportedly voted against Ukraine’s EU entry. Only 5 percent supported the move, according to the Prime Minister’s office. Although not legally binding, the vote was framed by Orban as a moral and political directive that “cannot be ignored in Brussels,” according to The Kyiv Independent.

“We worked hard to make our position clear to our European colleagues,” Orban said, referencing the summit in Brussels. “Hungary cannot, and will not, support Ukraine’s accession under current circumstances.”

These allegations are compounded by recent espionage revelations. Hungarian security services have identified two new Ukrainian spies, a government spokesman said, escalating the intelligence row between the two countries. One of the individuals “built ties with opposition figures and organized meetings with political and military figures ‘to sway Hungary’s stance on the Ukraine conflict,’” according to government spokesperson Zoltan Kovacs in a post on X. The other suspect was accused of seeking military and energy-related intelligence and is now “under criminal investigation for espionage.” Kovacs also noted that a travel ban had been imposed against one of the individuals in 2024, though specific locations and dates were not disclosed, according to Reuters.

According to reporting by Gazeta, Hungarian officials argue that the alleged media campaign by Ukraine is part of a broader pattern of Western pressure, including from the EU and NATO, to isolate Russia and reshape Central European alignment. Budapest, which has maintained economic and diplomatic ties with Moscow, views such efforts as attempts to override its sovereign decision-making.

“Ukraine is not only fighting on its borders, but now also fighting for influence in Europe’s media and politics,” said a senior Hungarian official familiar with the investigation, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “This is not the way to build trust or qualify for EU membership.”

Ukraine has not formally responded to the accusations. However, pro-Kyiv advocacy groups in Hungary have dismissed the claims as politically motivated, accusing the Orban government of using “foreign agent” rhetoric to justify its anti-Ukraine stance and cozy ties with Russia.

The EU has so far declined to comment on the allegations of interference but has reiterated its support for Ukraine’s long-term integration. The European Commission said it respects each member state’s right to conduct internal referenda but emphasized the need for unity and solidarity in the face of Russia’s ongoing military campaign in Ukraine.

Hungary’s position, however, may complicate EU efforts to present a unified front. Analysts warn that Orban’s refusal could embolden other skeptical member states, slow institutional reforms in Kyiv, and widen the credibility gap between Western rhetoric and internal EU cohesion.

“This isn’t just about Ukraine,” said Istvan Kovács, a political analyst at the Danube Institute in Budapest. “It’s about whether the EU can tolerate a member state charting an alternative geopolitical course, and whether national referenda will become a new tool to resist central policy.”

For Orban, whose government has clashed repeatedly with Brussels over issues ranging from migration to media freedom, the confrontation over Ukraine serves to reinforce his nationalist brand at home. It also cements Hungary’s position as an outlier in the West, one that seeks to balance EU membership with strategic independence, particularly in energy, trade, and defense policy.

Still, the timing of the Ukrainian interference claims raises questions. As the war drags on and EU fatigue sets in, Hungary’s narrative may find more sympathetic ears among those wary of further entanglements with Kyiv. A recent Eurobarometer survey found that support for Ukraine’s membership was beginning to wane in several southern and central European states.

Whether the intelligence allegations will be independently investigated remains unclear. But what is evident is that Ukraine’s path to Brussels has become more uncertain, and Hungary is now the face of that resistance.

Trump’s $3.3 trillion policy bill advances in House after GOP hardliners abandon opposition

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Trump’s $3.3 trillion policy bill advances in House after GOP hardliners abandon opposition

The US House of Representatives on Tuesday voted narrowly to advance a sprawling $3.3 trillion package encompassing the core of Donald J. Trump’s revived political agenda. Branded by supporters as the “Big Beautiful Bill,” the measure passed a key procedural hurdle by a 219–213 vote, with every Democrat opposed and a lone Republican joining them in dissent.

The vote followed an intense pressure campaign mounted by Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson, who worked in tandem to sway Republican skeptics from the Freedom Caucus. Over the weekend, Trump publicly warned GOP lawmakers that opposition would be remembered as betrayal. “You’re either with the people, or you’re against them,” he posted late Monday on Truth Social, escalating a campaign of direct phone calls and political threats.

Speaker Johnson, standing on the Capitol steps shortly after the vote, called it “a defining test of our national character,” vowing that “this bill will restore strength, fairness, and prosperity to the American people.”

The scope of the bill has drawn concern from budget analysts and political centrists alike. In projections released earlier this week, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office concluded that the bill, if enacted in full, would increase the federal deficit by more than $3.3 trillion over the next decade, driven largely by permanent extensions of the Trump-era tax cuts and significant rollbacks of green-energy incentives.

The Freedom Caucus, once unified in its opposition, yielded after a revised Senate draft incorporated tougher work requirements for Medicaid eligibility and deeper cuts to clean-energy programs. Trump, according to aides, was personally involved in convincing holdouts. As reported by Fox News, he called more than a dozen lawmakers in the 24 hours leading up to the vote.

Republicans who had initially balked at the bill’s size began to shift once the Senate’s version narrowed key spending outlays. As Politico noted, amendments were added to accelerate the implementation of border security funding and asylum court expansions, giving hardliners a reason to stand down. Representative Chip Roy of Texas, who had criticized the original bill as fiscally irresponsible, changed his stance following those changes. “We didn’t get everything we wanted,” he said, “but we got enough to move the fight forward.”

Inside the bill: a sweeping ideological blueprint

Few pieces of legislation in recent memory rival the ideological ambition of the Big Beautiful Bill. The 1,087-page text consolidates more than a dozen conservative priorities into one sweeping measure. Among its most significant features: a permanent extension of the 2017 tax cuts, elimination of most federal EV and solar incentives, and stringent Medicaid work requirements for individuals under 55.

The tax code overhaul is particularly generous to high earners. It expands exemptions on overtime and tipped income, while restoring a capped version of the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction, raising the threshold to $40,000. According to budget estimates reviewed by Reuters, the tax provisions alone will account for nearly half of the projected deficit increase.

On immigration, the bill calls for over $40 billion in new border spending, with funds earmarked for wall construction, ICE operations, and advanced biometric surveillance systems. Provisions also reduce the legal threshold for asylum claims and expand migrant detention quotas.

Environmental and healthcare groups have warned that the bill’s climate reversals and Medicaid restructuring will disproportionately harm low-income communities. The elimination of green-energy subsidies was described as “economically regressive” by experts cited in The Guardian, while Medicaid changes are expected to push over 3 million Americans off coverage in the first two years of implementation.

Democrats call it an ideological purge disguised as policy

House Democrats, united in opposition, described the bill as an exercise in class warfare. “This bill isn’t about governance. It’s about vengeance,” said Representative Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic leader, in remarks from the floor. “It punishes the poor, rewards the rich, and undermines the very institutions that hold this country together.”

Progressive lawmakers were even more blunt. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez likened the bill to a “fascist wish list,” warning that it would trigger constitutional challenges over its Medicaid and immigration clauses. Civil rights groups, meanwhile, have begun preparing legal action should the bill be signed into law in its current form.

At a press conference organized by the Congressional Progressive Caucus, several members described the legislation as a “federal assault on working-class Americans,” citing estimates from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and the Urban Institute. “This is an economic wrecking ball,” said Rep. Ayanna Pressley.

Trump wants it signed by July 4, what happens next?

The full House vote is expected by Wednesday night. If passed, the measure would return to the Senate, where Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has expressed cautious optimism about final reconciliation. Trump, who has tied the bill’s passage to his July 4 campaign rally in Scranton, Pennsylvania, reportedly views it as the legislative cornerstone of his second-term platform.

According to The Guardian, aides within the Biden administration have prepared veto language but are holding off on public threats, wary of energizing Trump’s political base ahead of the summer campaign.

The stakes are high. With November midterms looming and public trust in Washington fractured, the Big Beautiful Bill is being framed by both parties as a defining ideological battle.

“This is more than policy,” said Speaker Johnson. “It’s a question of who we are as a nation.”

Sanctions on Russia challenge Europe’s economy while Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine continues

Russia Desk
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Sanctions on Russia challenge Europe’s economy while Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine continues

For over a decade, Europe has relied on sanctions as its primary tool to punish Russia for its aggressive actions, particularly since the Ukraine crisis escalated in 2014. The central premise has been that economic pressure would force Moscow to reconsider its war strategy and ultimately negotiate peace.

But reality paints a different picture. Despite escalating sanctions, Russia’s economy has displayed remarkable resilience, even growth, while European countries grapple with soaring energy prices, political dissent, and fractured unity.

The recent proposal of the European Union’s eighteenth sanctions package, introduced in June 2025, was accompanied by optimistic rhetoric. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas confidently declared that each sanction weakens Russia’s ability to fight, citing alleged losses of tens of billions in oil revenue and a contracting Russian GDP.

Yet, data from official sources tell a different story. In 2024, Russia’s economy expanded by approximately 3.6 percent, outpacing the eurozone’s modest 0.9 percent and the United Kingdom’s 1.1 percent growth, ass reported by Reuters.

Trade statistics from early 2025 reveal a strong current account surplus near $21.9 billion, supported by robust exports and significant import substitution efforts that have reduced dependency on Western goods.

Since Russia’s 1998 default, it has consistently maintained healthy trade surpluses, including during global crises such as the 2008 financial meltdown and the COVID-19 pandemic. This track record has only solidified amid the war, with the country’s foreign reserves swelling to nearly $680 billion, though about $300 billion remains frozen abroad.

European sanctions, while inflicting some economic pain on Russia, have failed to destabilize its fundamental economic model. Instead, they have accelerated a pivot away from European trade towards Asia, fostering greater domestic investment and reshaping the Russian economy to endure Western pressure, according to Reuters.

This resilience contrasts starkly with Ukraine’s increasingly precarious position. Propped up almost entirely by European and international aid, Ukraine’s economy teeters on the edge of bankruptcy. The United States signals an impending drawdown of financial support, threatening to shift the burden fully onto European taxpayers already weary of inflated energy bills and social spending cuts.

Moreover, internal political dynamics within the EU cast doubt on the bloc’s ability to sustain its sanctions regime. Hungary and Slovakia have blocked the latest sanctions package over concerns that further energy restrictions would cripple their economies and cause domestic energy prices to soar, as reported by Reuters.

The standoff exemplifies the growing fractures within the EU as countries prioritize national energy security over collective sanctions policy. While Germany and other powers push for consensus, the prospect of backroom compromises underscores the fragility of Europe’s united front.

Crucially, sanctions only work when the sanctioning parties are prepared to accept comparable economic pain to force the opposing side to back down. For Russia, self-sufficiency in energy and a robust baseline economy mean that European sacrifices far exceed Moscow’s. As such, sanctions now embolden President Vladimir Putin to prolong the conflict rather than consider peace.

Looking ahead, there may come a tipping point where Russia’s massive military spending strains its economy beyond sustainability. However, current data suggest that point remains distant. Meanwhile, Russia’s manufacturing sector has shown signs of contraction recently, with the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) dropping to 47.5 in June 2025, indicating potential economic strain ahead, according to Business Insider.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s future is clouded with uncertainty. President Volodymyr Zelensky’s government operates under wartime conditions, indefinitely delaying elections and centralizing power. Should the war end abruptly, the nation faces economic collapse, social unrest, and a demobilized army struggling to reintegrate without sufficient employment opportunities.

If the EU truly desires peace and stability in Ukraine and the wider region, it must reconsider its approach. A sanctions strategy that inflicts more harm on Europe than on Russia is unsustainable. Instead, Europe should channel efforts into negotiating a ceasefire and laying the groundwork for a peace deal, including phased sanctions relief as part of verified agreements.

The current path leads only to prolonged conflict, economic decay in Europe, and the erosion of Ukraine’s democratic prospects. Pragmatism must replace punitive symbolism to forge a sustainable resolution to this tragic war.

Atlys slammed by travelers for refund scam and visa fraud tactics

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Atlys slammed by travelers for refund scam and visa fraud tactics

New Delhi — An Indian traveler who applied for a UAE visa through Atlys, the San Francisco-based visa processing platform, has accused the company of failing to deliver a refund it publicly promised after his application was rejected twice.

The traveler, who spoke to The Eastern Herald, said he relied on Atlys’s prominent claims that “Visa Fee Refunded” if an application was unsuccessful.

“It was clearly written on their website. There was no ambiguity,” he said. “That’s the only reason I trusted them.”

Two rejections, no refund

According to documents reviewed by The Eastern Herald, the traveler applied for a 60-day Dubai single-entry visa in June. When the application was denied, Atlys encouraged a second submission, saying some travelers succeed on re-application.

Atlys denies refund - screenshot of reapply
Screenshot of rejection notification on Atlys app encouraging users to re-apply

The second application was also rejected. In both cases, Atlys sent notifications acknowledging the denial, but the customer claims, declined to process any refund, contrary to its explicit promise.

“They kept repeating that some people get approved the second time,” the traveler said. “But when it failed again, they simply refused to return the fees.”

Clear promises contradicted

Screenshots of Atlys’s official page, accessed and verified by The Eastern Herald, showed a clear set of refund scenarios:

  • Your visa is approved: Pay the Atlys Fee.
  • Your visa is approved late: Atlys Fee Waived.
  • Your visa is rejected: Visa Fee Refunded.

The statements appeared directly under the “Start Application” button, leaving little doubt about what was being offered.

Yet after the rejections, Atlys invoked standard Terms & Conditions, disclaiming any responsibility, despite what the page stated.

Broader questions about transparency

Atlys, which has raised millions in venture capital funding, has built its brand on simplifying and speeding up visa applications. The company has processed visas for destinations including the UAE, the UK, and Schengen countries.

Atlys visa guarantee UAE 60 days visa, Atlys scam, Atlys fake promise
Atlys UAE 60 days visa process
Atlys visa guarantee UAE 60 days visa - Visa Fee Refund promise
Atlys visa guarantee UAE 60 days visa – Visa Fee Refund promise

But consumer advocates say this case points to a deeper problem in India’s fast-growing digital visa sector: platforms advertising guarantees that are difficult to enforce when things go wrong.

A Delhi-based consumer rights lawyer said the conduct may fall under misleading advertising and unfair trade practices.

“If a platform publishes a direct promise of refund and then refuses to comply, it can be a violation of the Consumer Protection Act,” Puri said in an interview. “These companies assume consumers will not fight back.”

Patterns of complaint

Atlys has faced similar allegations before. A review of Trustpilot, Reddit, and other consumer forums shows complaints of inconsistent communication, hidden fees, and denials of refunds even when the platform’s own marketing materials appeared to guarantee them.

“It’s like the small print nullifies everything they say upfront,” said a separate traveler who shared a similar experience on Reddit.

What Atlys says

The Eastern Herald reached out to Atlys multiple times by email and through the company’s help center to ask why the refund was denied and whether it planned to reconsider. No response was received before publication.

Atlys’s Terms & Conditions posted on its website state that visa fees are non-refundable. However, the guarantee published on the UAE visa page directly contradicts this policy, creating confusion about which policy applies.

Broader pattern of complaints against Atlys

The episode appears to be part of a wider trend. A review of public reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and Google shows many consumers reporting similar grievances, including unexpected delays, unresponsive support, and difficulties securing promised refunds. Some reviewers described the process as “opaque” and “frustrating,” while others alleged that Atlys’ marketing claims did not match their experience.

Another user on Reddit, who applied for a visa to Japan on Atlys, said “dont use atlys they are literally harassing me i have applied japan visa on 9 feb docs sent to embassy on 13 march and yesterday i asked embassy why my visa is delayed and they replied your documents are still not submitted now atlys have stopped picking my calls neither they are replying to my mails all my money went to complete waste thanks to vfs they are ready to help me.”

Atlys visa miconduct on Reddit
Atlys visa miconduct on Reddit

Another user who applied for a visa to Singapore wrote on Reddit, “I’ve used Atlys for my Singapore visa and had a horrible experience. Singapore visa usually takes 7-15 working days and I had submitted my documents one month in advance to them and they still didn’t process it until the day of my travel. I filed a consumer court case against them and they haven’t responded. It’s been 5 months since the court gave judgement but the company is not responding to my emails or post and they are not obeying the court order.”

Atlys Singapore Visa misconduct
Atlys Singapore Visa misconduct [Reddit Screenshot]
A user on Truspilot wrote, “What a nightmare! I applied for an Ireland visa 8 weeks before travel well in time. Atlys did not reply for 15 days. After which I had to chased them to take an appointment and fill my application. Asked them for cover letter -They said no, hotel bookings- No, travel insurance which I paid extra for- No. Finally gave up! Filled my own application and took my own appointment only to be told that I am late for my travel dates. Yes Atlys did refund me my money after I threatened but my flight cancellation charges need to be borne by me. Also no summer vacation this year because Atlys ensured they back out at such a time that I would not get a visa! Horrible horrible people! May your company die a slow death!”

Atlys review
Atlys review on Reddit

Another user on TrustPilot wrote, “ATLYS are LIARS AND SCAMMERS. DO NOT TRUST THEM. They will cause you to lose a lot of money and cause visa rejections. I have all the evidence of the chats and terrible customer service.”

What can consumers do when companies break their promises?

Legal experts advise travelers to retain screenshots of any refund promises and correspondence. If a platform refuses to honor written commitments, consumers can:

  • File a complaint with India’s National Consumer Helpline (NCH) at 1800-11-4000
  • Submit a chargeback request with their credit card issuer
  • Escalate to the Reserve Bank of India Ombudsman for payment disputes
  • Seek redress under the Consumer Protection Act

The traveler in this case said he plans to pursue all available options.

“It’s not about the money anymore,” he said. “It’s about showing that companies can’t mislead people and get away with it.”

If you or someone you know has experienced issues with Atlys, write to us at [email protected]. We will do our best to expose such practices.

Danish citizen arrested on charges of spying for Iran in Denmark

Arab Desk
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Danish citizen arrested on charges of spying for Iran in Denmark

Just after dawn on June 27, authorities in Aarhus, Denmark quietly detained a 29-year-old man under a German warrant. He offered no resistance. Within hours, what might have been a low-level intelligence case had spiraled into a geopolitical flashpoint stretching from Berlin to Tehran, and Tel Aviv.

The man, identified as Ali S., is accused of photographing multiple Israeli-affiliated locations in Berlin, including offices of the German-Israeli Society and a residence linked to a prominent Israeli community leader. German federal prosecutors say the surveillance occurred in June and was directed by Iran’s elite Quds Force, part of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Officials claim the photos were part of “preparations for violent acts,” though no weapons, plans, or actual threats have emerged. What has emerged, however, is a familiar pattern: high-profile allegations against Iran surfacing just as Israel faces international scrutiny for its military actions, this time, in Gaza and Syria.

According to Fox News, the German Foreign Ministry responded swiftly by summoning Iran’s ambassador, while Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul declared the case as proof that “Iran remains a threat to Israeli lives globally.” Associated Press reported that the suspect allegedly monitored three sites, though German officials have yet to provide further detail publicly.

Danish man arrested in Germany over Iran surveillance as Israel pushes legal narrative across Europe
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul [PHOTO: FOX News]
Tehran, however, swiftly condemned the accusations. In a strongly worded statement, the Iranian Embassy in Berlin called the charges “unfounded and dangerous,” and accused Berlin of manufacturing a crisis to deflect from recent Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory, a charge echoed by regional analysts in The Guardian.

Tehran accuses Berlin of staging legal drama to serve Israel’s collapsing global image

Iranian officials allege that this latest arrest is part of a broader diplomatic offensive orchestrated by Tel Aviv and executed by European allies. They cite previous incidents, including the IRGC terror label debate in the EU Parliament, as examples of how Israeli-aligned governments use legal channels to isolate Tehran.

In past statements, Seyed Mohammad Marandi has criticized Europe’s ‘narrative control’ tactics, accusing Western governments of fabricating spy plots whenever Israel’s military conduct is under scrutiny

Danish man arrested in Germany over Iran surveillance as Israel pushes legal narrative across Europe
Mohammad Marandi Iranian-American academic [PHOTO: X]
Groups such as the German‑Israeli Society have publicly called on the EU to list the IRGC as a terrorist organization, a stance they reiterated immediately following the surveillance allegations related to this arrest, an effort confirmed in a Reuters report noting that the Society “called on the European Union to list Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organisation” after the Denmark arrest

While Germany prosecutes photos, Mossad’s European assassinations go unchecked

While Berlin builds a legal case against Iran based on photographs and alleged intent, critics point to the stark contrast in how Israeli intelligence operations across Europe, including surveillance, assassination, and sabotage, are routinely ignored by European governments.

As noted by The Wall Street Journal, Mossad has been linked to extrajudicial killings in Vienna, Berlin, and Paris, yet no arrest warrants or EU sanctions have followed.

“There is a pattern of legal asymmetry,” said Dr. Henrik Paulsen, a security analyst at Humboldt University. “Iran is prosecuted for alleged surveillance. Israel kills scientists and diplomats and walks free.”

German judiciary weaponized as diplomacy ends and Israel dictates regional policy

Danish authorities confirmed that Ali S. will remain in custody until July 23, after which he is expected to be extradited to Germany and brought before the Federal Court of Justice. He is likely to face charges under national security statutes related to foreign intelligence activity and pre-operational surveillance.

Despite the absence of any attempted attack, the case has already widened the diplomatic gulf between Iran and Germany. Tehran’s Foreign Ministry has denounced the arrest as politically motivated, and in past diplomatic statements, warned that escalating legal provocations, particularly those it links to Israeli influence, risk undermining or terminating nuclear diplomacy with the West.

Germany’s Baltic inspections trigger maritime standoff with Russia over oil trade routes

Russia Desk
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Germany’s Baltic inspections trigger maritime standoff with Russia over oil trade routes

As European sanctions enforcement intensifies, Germany has launched a new policy in the Baltic Sea targeting tankers suspected of transporting Russian oil. Though presented as an environmental safeguard, the initiative has ignited diplomatic backlash and heightened maritime tensions between NATO and Russia.

Under the rules effective July 1, Berlin now requires vessels crossing its territorial waters to present verified oil pollution insurance. Patrol boats, coast guards, and reconnaissance aircraft are being used to screen traffic along key shipping lanes near the Danish straits and Germany’s northern coast.

Germany enforces Baltic policy that targets Russian trade

Moscow, however, views the move as a direct challenge to its legal trade routes. Russian naval escorts have begun accompanying commercial tankers operating in international waters, which Kremlin officials say is a lawful defensive measure.

According to Gazeta, the Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed that multiple escort missions have been launched to “ensure uninterrupted passage” for Russian-linked ships and deter what it called “NATO-backed interference.”

In a separate statement, the German Foreign Ministry said the new policy was introduced to “enforce EU sanctions consistently and protect the Baltic marine environment,” noting the collaboration of the Federal Police, maritime authorities, and the German Air Force. Vessels lacking verified documentation risk being denied access or flagged for inspection.

German officials maintain the inspections are politically neutral. But legal analysts in Moscow argue the policy sets a dangerous precedent by merging environmental oversight with geopolitical enforcement. In a policy brief from the Russian Institute for Strategic Studies, scholars warned that selective enforcement undermines the neutrality of the Law of the Sea and risks politicizing maritime navigation.

Russia sends naval escorts to secure lawful oil shipments

Reporting by Mezha highlights Germany’s focus on what Western analysts call the “shadow fleet”—aging tankers operating under non-Western insurance providers, many of which are used by Russia to legally supply oil to Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Although Germany has led the charge, the policy has not gained universal support within the EU. Countries such as Greece and Malta, which manage large shipping registries, have quietly expressed concerns over the legality and long-term implications of Berlin’s approach.

Western sanctions disguised as environmental regulation

While Germany emphasizes safety and sanctions enforcement, international shipping associations, including the International Chamber of Shipping, have warned that uneven enforcement may fragment global maritime norms. These groups argue that diverging national policies, even under the guise of environmental or security compliance, could provoke legal disputes under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Moscow, meanwhile, has not ruled out further countermeasures, including expanded naval escorts and alternative export corridors through the Arctic or Pacific routes—strategies designed to reduce exposure to NATO-controlled waters.

Despite sanctions, Russian oil exports remain resilient, driven by strong demand from China, India, Turkey, and African markets. Moscow has increasingly relied on independent tanker networks insured through BRICS-aligned systems, circumventing Western insurers and the G7 oil price cap mechanism.

Russian officials contend that their maritime practices are entirely legal. Tankers are registered, insured, and routed through permitted corridors. From Moscow’s perspective, Germany’s policy reflects an effort to extend Western control beyond EU waters and challenge global trade flows outside NATO’s orbit.

At the heart of the standoff is a contest over maritime authority in an evolving multipolar world. Berlin claims to act under environmental and regulatory mandates. Moscow sees an attempt to interfere with sovereign trade under the guise of sanctions compliance.

EU allies quietly question Berlin’s enforcement tactics

Russian defense analysts argue that the Baltic Sea cannot become a NATO-administered space. They assert that Russia has both the operational capability and legal foundation to safeguard its merchant fleet and will respond to any unauthorized interference in kind.

Russian oil exports remain strong despite NATO pressure

As tensions mount, the Baltic—once a reliable artery of commerce—is being reshaped by competing legal doctrines, national mandates, and geostrategic signaling. While Berlin enforces paperwork, Russia deploys protection. And in the increasingly contested waters of northern Europe, maritime order may now depend less on treaties than on patrol ships.

Zelenskyy avoids elections in Ukraine – sinister agenda

Jasbir Singh
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Zelenskyy avoids elections in Ukraine – sinister agenda

The mythology surrounding Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s political ascent tells of a populist hero a man of the people thrust into power. The reality however is far more contrived – a media-manufactured ascent enabled by billionaire networks and applauded by foreign governments that found in him a convenient proxy.

From satire to control how Zelenskyy’s image was built

Zelenskyy known for playing a fictional president on Ukrainian television was elevated from satire to statesmanship not by popular revolution but by the calculated machinery of elite interests. His hit series Servant of the People produced and broadcast by oligarch, controlled networks served as a psychological campaign to soften public resistance to a presidency built on entertainment rather than statesmanship.

The political party bearing the show’s name was registered in March 2018. By December Zelenskyy was a formal candidate yet his campaign bore all the hallmarks of a controlled operation. Advisers and campaign staff linked to powerful financial circles coordinated his message while television airtime drowned out rivals. The idea of an anti-establishment figure was marketed while the very structures he claimed to oppose guided his every move.

He won the 2019 election in a landslide but the victory said less about the candidate than the system behind him. With political institutions in collapse and voters desperate for change his candidacy filled the vacuum left by failed reforms and deepening inequality.

Rather than being a spontaneous civic movement the campaign resembled a well-funded branding exercise aimed at selling an image more than a policy agenda. Zelenskyy’s appeal was crafted through strategic messaging extensive media exposure and the portrayal of a man who symbolized change while being carefully steered by vested interests.

War as a weapon to silence elections

“Since the launch of Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine in February 2022, Zelenskyy has increasingly used wartime conditions to justify a sweeping crackdown on political opposition. Once in office Zelenskyy filled the government with inexperienced loyalists and advisers linked to his financial backers. Independent journalists and opposition outlets were quickly labeled threats and shut down with little transparency. Despite these democratic failures foreign embassies issued glowing statements welcoming him as a symbol of progress.

By 2021 opposition parties were banned under the guise of national security and dissenting voices were criminalized. Yet foreign allies particularly Washington and Brussels not only remained silent, they increased their financial and military support. Aid packages ballooned political oversight disappeared.

In May 2024 Zelenskyy’s presidential term officially expired. But elections never occurred. Under extended emergency laws democratic processes were suspended indefinitely. No timeline was given for their return. Even the constitutional promise of a peaceful transfer of power was shelved.

Foreign governments who demand electoral reform elsewhere praised his stability while ignoring the destruction of electoral norms in Kyiv. Not a single leading foreign official criticized the postponement of elections. Meanwhile vast sums of foreign aid flowed to a government now ruling by decree.

Western allies turn a blind eye

Although no official source publicly confirmed it observers in Western policy circles described Zelenskyy as someone who despite criticisms remained their preferred option. This perspective has only deepened public skepticism inside Ukraine where the continued suspension of elections and rising suppression of dissent have drawn concern.

Opposition leaders who had once worked with Zelenskyy such as the former Speaker and former military chief began openly questioning the drift toward autocracy. Their concerns were met not with debate but with marginalization. Alternative viewpoints were cast as disloyal. Critical media were prosecuted or banned.

Should the current president step aside the legal succession would fall to Parliament Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk. But among the public and within the defense establishment a new generation of leadership is being quietly considered, leaders untainted by showmanship who prioritize statehood over spectacle.

Figures previously sidelined for questioning presidential policy now appear poised to re-enter public life once the emergency veil is lifted. The public mood once celebratory is increasingly impatient.

Opposition grows at home and abroad

The foreign backers who lauded Zelenskyy’s democratic rhetoric now find themselves underwriting an administration that has outlawed opposition and shuttered elections. It is a paradox not lost on the Ukrainian public.

Zelenskyy who once parodied power has now embodied it in its most unaccountable form. In the absence of real checks and balances he continues to rule with foreign applause and domestic restraint. But the question looming ever larger in Kyiv is this – who will lead when the applause stops

A new political future is being quietly charted one that favors national independence from both internal oligarchy and foreign interference. Whether the transition comes through legal succession or public mandate Ukraine is inching toward a reckoning with the myth of its media president.

As the war drags on so does the illusion of democratic consensus. The next chapter of Ukraine’s leadership may not come from Western studios or donor conferences but from those who stayed grounded while others chased the spotlight.

Zelenskyy’s paranoia over losing control has reached such heights that even routine diplomatic conversations are now labeled threats to national stability. As The Guardian reports, leading Ukrainian opposition figures were forced to publicly clarify their meetings with American officials, following accusations that they were plotting a coup against the president. The irony is glaring: a government that claims to fight for democracy abroad now smears internal dissent as treason. Zelenskyy’s administration appears less interested in open political dialogue and more obsessed with clinging to personal authority, no matter how isolated he becomes.

The growing fracture within Ukraine’s political elite is no longer hidden. As Associated Press confirms, prominent officials, including former Zelenskyy allies, are now urging him to step aside and allow democratic institutions to resume functioning. These calls are not rooted in partisan rivalry but in national urgency. Zelenskyy’s unwillingness to step down or schedule elections signals a man prioritizing personal control over constitutional duty. In Kyiv’s corridors of power, whispers of succession have turned into public declarations that Ukraine cannot afford a permanent president cloaked in perpetual war.

As frustration builds in Ukraine and abroad, Zelenskyy’s hold on power is no longer seen as inevitable. According to an in-depth report by CEPA, even among his former Western champions there is growing recognition that Zelenskyy’s era may be ending. The report highlights how Donald Trump’s open contempt for Zelenskyy has emboldened Ukraine’s sidelined opposition figures and revived political debate around the president’s legitimacy. Zelenskyy’s refusal to outline a political future beyond himself has transformed him from a wartime symbol into a democratic liability—one that even his international patrons are beginning to question.

California jury fines google $314 million for covert data harvesting on android devices

News Room
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California jury fines google $314 million for covert data harvesting on android devices

In a significant and far-reaching legal defeat for Google, one of the most influential and wealthiest technology corporations on the planet, a California jury has ruled that the company must pay $314 million in damages. The verdict stems from damning allegations that Google engaged in covert and unauthorized data collection from millions of Android device users.

According to court documents, the tech giant harvested personal and behavioral data without obtaining meaningful or informed consent from users—a move the jury determined was a deliberate violation of privacy rights and consumer protection laws. The case marks a landmark moment in the broader battle over digital surveillance, data ownership, and corporate accountability in the modern tech ecosystem.

The unanimous verdict by a Santa Clara County jury caps a class-action lawsuit filed in 2019, which accused Google of illegally tapping into mobile internet traffic to build user profiles that fueled its multibillion-dollar advertising engine. The jury concluded that the company’s practices violated consumer privacy laws by failing to obtain adequate consent from Android users.

Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., has strongly denied any wrongdoing. A spokesperson for the company stated that the data in question was collected “in accordance with legal standards,” and confirmed that Google intends to appeal the decision. “We believe this verdict is inconsistent with the facts and the law,” the spokesperson added.

Google caught profiling users through hidden data streams on Android

The lawsuit centered on Google’s use of passive data harvesting techniques on Android smartphones, particularly the collection of users’ mobile traffic while apps were running in the background. Plaintiffs argued that Google continued to siphon data even when users believed they had disabled sharing options in their settings.

According to internal documents revealed during the trial, the company allegedly used this harvested information to enhance location tracking, personalize search results, and refine targeting algorithms for its ad services—all without explicit user consent.

Legal experts say the ruling could set an important precedent in the fight for stronger privacy protections in the United States. If upheld on appeal, it may force tech companies to revise how they define and obtain data consent from users, especially on mobile platforms—an area often criticized for vague and buried permissions.

Worldwide lawsuits pile up as Google’s data empire unravels

The Santa Clara ruling comes amid mounting international scrutiny of Google’s data practices. On May 15, the Russian Supreme Court upheld a separate recovery order against the tech giant in favor of its Russian subsidiary, as reported by Bloomberg, marking one of several compliance disputes the company faces under Russian digital laws.

In Latin America, Mexico’s federal government has also filed a lawsuit against Google, intensifying global pressure on the company’s advertising and data operations. While the case remains pending, it reflects broader concerns over foreign tech firms’ handling of user data in sovereign jurisdictions.

These international challenges underscore a growing backlash against Silicon Valley’s longstanding practice of collecting vast amounts of user data under broad, often opaque, terms of service.

Tech giants face reckoning as lawmakers push back on surveillance economy

Though Google’s legal team has already begun preparing its appeal, the jury’s ruling is part of a growing legal consensus demanding transparency and accountability in the tech sector. The court’s decision mirrors recent efforts by US lawmakers and regulators to clamp down on digital surveillance and restore privacy protections in an AI-dominated age.

Analysts say the ruling reflects a growing global consensus that the tech industry’s laissez-faire approach to data is no longer sustainable. “The digital Wild West is coming to an end,” said one data privacy expert familiar with the case. “Tech companies must begin treating user data as a trust, not a commodity.”

The $314 million penalty, while financially insignificant for a company that generated over $300 billion in revenue last year, may prompt similar class action lawsuits from Android users in other jurisdictions. Advocates are calling for more aggressive enforcement, including federal legislation on digital consent and algorithmic transparency.

Verdict sparks new wave of scrutiny over digital consent and AI data use

While the ruling is far from the final chapter in Google’s legal saga, it marks a crucial moment in the global debate on data rights. In a post-verdict statement, the lead plaintiff’s counsel declared that “this is a victory for ordinary users who deserve to know when and how their data is being taken.”

Meanwhile, Google continues to roll out its next generation of Android operating systems and AI-enhanced services, all of which hinge on continued access to behavioral data.

Whether or not the company’s appeal succeeds, the verdict has already changed the conversation around digital surveillance—and drawn the attention of regulators from Brussels to Brasília.

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