Senior journalists have questioned whether government accreditation should determine who qualifies as a journalist. Their concerns follow the Apex Court’s observation on Thursday, October 15, that allowing every citizen to become a journalist could create problems. The court raised concerns about distinguishing professional journalists from influencers and reel-makers. Journalists, however, stressed that experienced independent practitioners should not be denied recognition or protection merely because they lack accreditation. They also called for accountability in digital journalism without allowing regulation to undermine press freedom. The debate follows submissions by senior advocate Indira Jaising before a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi. She told the court that Delhi Police did not recognise independent and freelance journalists covering anti-CEC protests in New Delhi. She said the police insisted on Press Information Burea

Friday, 16 October 2026 #1  ·  Front Page / Times Special  ·  In-depth feature / Ground report Sonipat's Golden Harvest In Japan By Anjali Singh   ·   The Times of India, New Delhi  ·  Page Page 23 A deeply reported feature tracing how Sonipat, a manufacturing city in Haryana's NCR belt, produced 13 gold medallists across five disciplines — hockey, archery, kabaddi, athletics and wrestling — at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Through individual profiles of athletes like Neha Goyal, Kiran Pahal, Kushal Dalal and Abhishek Nain, the story documents the familial sacrifices, institutional support from SAI and Sports University of Haryana, and village-level sporting ecosystems that made this possible. The piece draws on named on-record sources including coach Pritam Rani Siwach, kabaddi player Pardeep Narwal and wrestler Naveen Mor. Rare ground-up feature where the reporter physically visit

Jobs shock: employment falls, unemployment rises A surprise drop of nearly 40,000 jobs has sharpened scrutiny of Treasurer Jim Chalmers and strengthened the market view that the economy is cooling faster than expected. With unemployment lifting (and NSW hitting a five-year high), the data will feed directly into RBA rate expectations and the political fight over whether budget tax changes are worsening business confidence. Covered by: Daily Telegraph, Herald Sun, The Australian, Sydney Morning Herald. Budget backlash: business says Labor “rushed” tax changes An alliance of business and industry groups has accused the Albanese government of creating a post-budget crisis by pushing through key tax changes without adequate consultation. The dispute raises the stakes for Labor’s economic narrative—especially as softening jobs data amplifies concerns about investment, confidence and the cost of doing business. Covered by: Australian Financial Review, Australian F

Newly appointed SBS World News Weekends Chief Presenter Catalina Flórez says taking over from long-time presenter Anton Enus is a “dream come true”. Flórez moved to Australia from Colombia as a baby. She said growing up with the broadcaster felt like home, because she and her family could see their stories on screen. “Being a part of the team here is incredible. I've always loved reporting, and being able to do the reporting here is so important and so special,” she told Influencing.  “When Anton’s news [of his departure] came, it was something that I've wanted for a long time, but have never allowed myself to think about it, as these jobs don't come up often… I couldn’t believe it for a long time. It took me a good week to actually believe it had happened.”  Flórez had previously filled in for Enus and Janice Petersen [Sunday – Thursday host] on SBS World News, but said taking

Verve Media has won the social media marketing and content mandate for Academy of Strength (AoS), a Bengaluru-based strength, fitness and movement community.  Under the mandate, the integrated digital marketing agency will lead AoS’s social media strategy, content creation and account growth, alongside on-ground shoots across its locations. The content will focus on coaching expertise, training, movement, educational formats, member stories and community experiences.  Vinay Sangwan, co-founder of Verve Media, said, “The fitness category on social media is highly crowded, which makes building a differentiated point of view even more important. What stood out to us about AoS is its approach to fitness as more than just a gym; it brings together coaching, science-backed programming, movement, and community to create a more holistic experience.”  Devrath Vijay, co-founder of Academy of Strength, said, “At A

Journalist Naorem Tanoranjan Singh of Ichel News Network has received the prestigious Lamyanba Hijam Irawat Ningshing Mana 2026 in recognition of his contributions to journalism. “I feel very happy and excited. I have been working and doing my job, and it is encouraging to see people, society and the organisation recognise my work by giving me this award. It is a very exciting moment for me,” Singh said speaking with Influencing India. This is the third award Singh has received in 2026. Early this year he received the Promising Digital Journalist Award 2026 on January 29 and the E-Pao Journalist Award 2026 on July 9. Singh has been covering social, political and conflict-related issues in Manipur. The award was presented by Kanglei Yelhou Cheingak (KYC) and the All Manipur Democratic Students Organisation (AMDSO) during the 1st State-Level Yelhou Lousing Trophy 2026, held for inter-school, college and university participants at Star Football Ground in Akampat, Imphal