4WD Tech PR, a specialist in the space of emerging technology, gaming and AI, has been appointed to lead the public relations and strategic communication mandate for the India Game Developer Conference (IGDC) 2026. IGDC, led by Game Developer Association of India (GDAI) is the country’s foremost industry platform bringing together all stakeholders including investors, game publishers, developers, and enthusiasts.

PRAXIS India 2026 brought together leaders from public relations, corporate communications, journalism, healthcare, technology and entertainment to examine how their professions are evolving in an increasingly complex information environment.

At PRAXIS India, Kerman Kasad, Head of Marketing and Communications at Tawid, argued that public relations must demonstrate measurable business value through revenue, reputation and regulatory accountability. Drawing on corporate crises and his experience in technology and financial services, he explained why communicators must help shape decisions before they become reputational problems.

AI is making content creation faster and cheaper, but efficiency alone will no longer distinguish communications agencies, says BCG's Sanjay Nair. At PRAXIS India, he explained why the industry's future value lies in specialised expertise, relationships, judgment and helping clients make better decisions, while warning that excessive dependence on AI could weaken the very skills professionals need.

At PRAXIS India, Pfizer India Country President Meenakshi Nevatia urged communications professionals to move beyond managing narratives and become strategic partners in business decisions. Drawing on Pfizer's handling of vaccine-related scrutiny and counterfeit medicines, she explained why building trust sometimes means speaking up, challenging leadership or knowing when to remain silent.

At PRAXIS India, Times Now Managing Editor Zakka Jacob explored journalism's uneasy balance between public service and commercial survival. Defending the media's role in holding power accountable, he addressed criticism of mainstream news, called for greater accountability from digital platforms and explained why AI cannot replace investigative reporting or human judgment.

At PRAXIS India, hepatologist Dr Cyriac Abby Philips challenged the communications industry over its role in amplifying questionable health advice. Drawing on clinical research and his experiences confronting misinformation, he warned that social media popularity cannot substitute for medical expertise and urged PR professionals to prioritise scientific evidence over reach.

Women journalists’ safety, professional independence and the freedom to question those in power were among the key issues raised at a two-day National Conference of Women Journalists in Hyderabad on 24 and 25 October, with speakers calling for stronger institutional support and equal opportunities in newsrooms.

PR professionals want their stories heard, but journalists need more than promotional messages. Media professionals examine why pitches fail, from poor timing and generic outreach to missing context, and how stronger relationships and a better understanding of newsroom priorities can improve media engagement.

PR Companion, the public relations and strategic communications vertical of Ethane Web Technologies, has secured the PR mandate for Gurugram-based Charger on Wheels (COW), an energy technology company offering mobile DC fast charging and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).