Pramod Thomas is a senior correspondent with Asian Media Group since 2020, bringing 19 years of journalism experience across business, politics, sports, communities, and international relations. His career spans both traditional and digital media platforms, with eight years specifically focused on digital journalism. This blend of experience positions him well to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver content across various formats. He has worked with national and international media organisations, giving him a broad perspective on global news trends and reporting standards.
ZAYN MALIK has revealed plans for his first-ever solo tour, nearly ten years after his departure from One Direction. The announcement came during a surprise appearance on The Tonight Show by Jimmy Fallon, where he left the host and audience buzzing with anticipation.
During the episode aired on Tuesday (17), Zayn, 31, took to the stage unexpectedly. He presented Fallon with a note that read, "Hey Jimmy, great to see you, mate. I'm going on my first-ever solo tour this autumn! When you’re done picking apples with your friends, come check out my 'Stairway to the Sky Tour' across the US and UK. An official announcement will follow tomorrow."
This cheeky revelation left Fallon momentarily speechless and thrilled the audience.
Zayn’s tour marks a significant milestone in his solo career, especially following the release of his latest album, Room Under The Stairs, which debuted in May 2024.
The album features popular tracks like "What I Am" and "Love Like This," further establishing his presence as a solo artist.
Zayn had previously performed to a sold-out crowd in London earlier this year, which heightened expectations for the upcoming tour.
In recent years, Zayn has candidly discussed the challenges of performing, including his struggles with anxiety and mental health. He expressed the emotional toll of being a solo performer, noting that he often felt more vulnerable on stage. In a heartfelt op-ed, he shared his desire for transparency with fans, explaining why he chose to address his health openly rather than provide misleading statements.
Zayn has been actively engaging with fans on social media, sharing a teaser video that captures him in a picturesque meadow, hinting at new beginnings. "I know it took a while but we're here," he proclaims in the clip, resonating with many who have followed his journey since his One Direction days.
Meanwhile there are reports that One Direction may reunite. Since their indefinite hiatus in 2015, fans have eagerly awaited the band’s return. The group—Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Harry Styles, and Zayn Malik—was formed by Simon Cowell on The X Factor in 2010.
To mark their 10th anniversary in July 2020, they launched an interactive website featuring a timeline of the band’s journey, along with music videos, artwork, and behind-the-scenes content.
Later, Liam Payne expressed hope for a reunion. Niall Horan, in 2021, reflected on the intensity of fan attention during the band’s peak, saying he now understands it, though it was challenging at the time.
Zayn’s 2024 tour dates
23 October — San Francisco at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
25 October — Las Vegas at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
27 October — Los Angeles at Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall
30 October — Washington at The Anthem
2 November — New York at Hammerstein Ballroom
20 November — Edinburgh at O2 Academy
23 November — Leeds at O2 Academy
24 November — Manchester at O2 Apollo
26 November — London at Eventim Apollo
29 November— Wolverhampton at Wolverhampton The Halls
Local councils now face four “nationally significant” cyber attacks weekly, putting essential services at risk.
Cyber-attacks cost UK SMEs £3.4 billion annually, with the North West particularly affected.
Experts recommend proactive measures including supplier monitoring, threat intelligence, and an “assume breach” mindset.
Cyber threats escalate
Britain’s local authorities are facing an unprecedented surge in cyber threats, with the National Cyber Security Centre reporting that councils confront four “nationally significant” cyber attacks every week. The escalation comes as organisations are urged to take concrete action, with new toolkits and free cyber insurance through the NCSC Cyber Essentials scheme to help secure their foundations.
Recent attacks on major retailers including Marks & Spencer, Co-op and Jaguar Land Rover have demonstrated the devastating impact of cyber threats on critical operations. Yet councils remain equally vulnerable, with a single successful attack capable of rendering essential public services inaccessible to millions of citizens.
The stakes are extraordinarily high. When councils fall victim to cyber attacks, citizens cannot access housing benefits, pay council tax or retrieve crucial information. Simultaneously, staff are locked out of email systems and case management tools, halting service delivery across social care, police liaison and NHS coordination.
Call for cyber resilience
According to Vodafone and WPI Strategy’s Securing Success: The Role of Cybersecurity in SME Growth report, cyber-attacks are costing UK small and medium-sized enterprises an estimated £3.4 billion annually in lost revenue. Over a quarter of SMEs surveyed stated that a single attack averaging £6,940 could force them out of business entirely. This financial impact is particularly acute in the North West, where attacks cost businesses nearly £5,000 more than the national average.
Renata Vincoletto, CISO at Civica, emphasises that councils need not wait for legislation to strengthen their cyber resilience. She outlines five immediate priorities: employing third-party continuous monitoring tools to track supplier security compliance; subscribing to threat intelligence feeds from the NCSC and sector experts; engaging with regional cyber clusters supported by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and the UK Cyber Cluster Collaboration ( UKC3) establishing standardised incident reporting processes aligned with NCSC frameworks; and adopting an “assume breach” mindset to stay vigilant against inevitable threats.
“Cyber resilience is not a single project or policy it’s a culture of preparedness,” Vincoletto states. “Every small step taken today reduces the impact of tomorrow’s inevitable attack.”
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