Artificial intelligence can refine information, while WhatsApp and social media can distribute it within seconds. But neither can replace the fundamental work of journalism: being on the ground, developing sources, asking questions and independently verifying what happened, says The Free Press Journal correspondent Raina Assainar. “AI does not give you information. AI just refines your information,” Assainar said during an Influencing Insider conversation. For Assainar, the distinction is straightforward. When an accident or breaking-news event occurs, information must first come from people at the scene. AI can help process or present that material, but it cannot independently establish what happened without information gathered by people. That distinction has become increasingly important as digital platforms make basic information available almost instantly. Assainar believes a journalist's value now lies in going beyond what is already circulating, developing

Dipti Raut, senior journalist and city incharge with Dainik Bhaskar Group’s Marathi newspaper Divya Marathi, won the first prize at The Statesman Awards for Rural Reporting 2025 on September 16, 2026, for her investigation into unsafe childbirth practices in rural Maharashtra. The story took Raut nearly two years to report and led her deep into remote tribal areas of Nandurbar district, where she documented childbirth practices that are difficult to imagine in a state known for its progressive healthcare system. What began as a small lead in 2024 eventually became an investigation into a reality that, in her words, many would find difficult to believe. “The first most difficult issue, it is not a question, the issue is the perspective. We, being a very progressive and modern state of Maharashtra, nobody believes that such a kind of ground reality will be existing,” she said. Raut first learnt about the issue during a review meeting attended by former Maharashtra health mini

NDTV will host YUVA 2026 in Mumbai on September 28 under the theme ‘Young Voices, Bold Dialogues’, bringing together voices from politics, sports, cinema, entrepreneurship, technology, governance, health and comedy.  The event will feature Olympic medallist Saina Nehwal, former cricketer Irfan Pathan, actors Sobhita Dhulipala and Fatima Sana Shaikh, MP Shrikant Shinde, IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe, BMC Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide and several other public figures and creators.  Sessions will explore topics including political participation among Gen Z, civic responsibility, entrepreneurship, the creator economy, cybercrime, artificial intelligence, food and health choices, and the changing nature of comedy and popular culture.  The event will also feature discussions with content creator Anubhavi, Viraj Sheth, AI educator Ishan Sharma, Food Pharmer Revant Himatsingka and comedians including Kenny Sebastian an

Amid frequent criticism and political exchanges on social media, a conversation between The Followup senior journalist Sunny Sharad and Jharkhand Transport Minister Deepak Birua on X drew attention for its focus on public transport.  Sharad shared a photograph of the PM E-Bus service operating in Patna and questioned why Ranchi could not have similar services. He also highlighted the need to improve public transport and address the difficulties faced by commuters during VIP movements.  Responding to the post, Birua said the state’s Transport Department was working to strengthen public transport and improve facilities for passengers. He thanked the journalist for raising the issue and said the public would soon see the government’s efforts on the ground.  Following reactions from users, Birua said the government was considering public feedback and working towards implementing the suggestions. He also referred to a review

The Equality Fund has opened applications for its 2026 Journalism Fellowship for journalists from eligible Global South countries.   Up to five fellows will receive CAD 4,000 (around Rs 2.72 lakh) and up to CAD 500 for reporting expenses to produce gender-focused stories on issues including climate change, human rights, democracy, inequality and conflict.   The fellowship runs from January to September 2027 and accepts text, digital, video and audio proposals. Applicants need at least three years of journalism experience and three work samples, with applications closing on November 8, 2026.   To apply: https://equalityfund.ca/en/posts/application-journalism-fellowship  

Senior journalist, theatre personality and Karnataka Working Journalists' Association State President Shivananda Tagaduru was presented with the State Nataka Academy’s annual award at a ceremony held at Ravindra Kalakshetra in Bengaluru. Deputy Chairperson of the Legislative Council Umashree presented the award to Tagadur and congratulated him on the recognition. Speaking at the ceremony, Umashree said theatre continues to remain a vibrant form of expression. Recalling her own journey as a theatre artist, she said, "Theatre never loses its vitality. I, too, grew as a theatre artist before reaching this high position. I extend congratulations, on behalf of the State Government, to all artists who have risen through the medium of theatre." The event was attended by senior actor and former Legislative Council member Mukhyamantri Chandru, Nataka Academy President Dr K.V. Nagarajamurthy, Kannada Development Authority Chairman Dr Purushottama Bilimale, Sahitya Academy President Mukund

Journalist Devendra Kumar Pandey of Shakun Times has alleged that a constable assaulted him, snatched his mobile phone and bike keys, and abused him at the Pandepur outpost under Lalpur Pandeypur police station in Varanasi. Pandey had gone to the outpost to gather news when the constable questioned his presence. “I told him that I am a journalist and had come to collect news,” he said while speaking with Influencing India. He alleged that the constable then grabbed his arm and pushed him outside. “Outside, he abused me, snatched my mobile phone and took away my bike keys. He would not let me go,” he said. After informing the outpost in-charge, Pandey submitted a written complaint at the police station after no immediate action was taken. He waited for around one-and-a-half hours for the SHO, who was not present. Journalists subsequently staged a sit-in protest at the police station, condemning the constable’s behaviour. Expressing his gratitude for the support, Pandey s