National and metropolitan front pages for Friday 13 March 2026   National The Australian   From ‘don’t panic’, to a genuine Chris Crisis, Matthew Cranston; Thomas Henry A dispute over Energy Minister Chris Bowen’s handling of fuel reserves and transparency has escalated into a political crisis for the government. Bondi debacle: Increasing threat, decreasing answers and silent PM, Noah Yim, Noel Towell; Thomas Henry Senior police criticism and resignations over port management are intensifying pressure as questions mount and the PM remains quiet. Taylor vows no more sneaky creeps into tax rises, Matthew Cranston Angus Taylor says the Coalition will introduce fiscal rules to prevent stealth tax increases via bracket creep and to cap spending. One Nation warning as Mali defends patriotism, David Penberthy; Scott Morrison Pauline Hanson’s comments about patriotism have drawn scrutiny after appearing alongside content linked to anti-migrant and extremist-leani

Mongabay-India, in partnership with Alt Eff, has opened applications for the Video Reporting Opportunity 2026, inviting journalists and storytellers across India to produce environmental video stories.  The programme aims to support field-based environmental journalism through funding, mentorship, and editorial guidance, with selected stories to be published on Mongabay-India’s platform.  The opportunity is open to Indian journalists, filmmakers, and multimedia storytellers working on themes such as climate change, biodiversity, conservation, and community-led environmental initiatives. The application deadline is March 16, 2026.  To apply: https://studysustainabilityhub.com/events/preview/69ae8f0c55a70f82c1a6330c  

Kajaria Ceramics has appointed Innocean India as its creative partner following a multi-agency pitch process, according to exchange4media. The mandate will include brand strategy and campaign development across platforms. The account was previously handled by 82.5 Communications, which confirmed it is no longer associated with the brand and did not participate in the recent pitch.  

Prashant Kulkarni, a cameraman with TV9, has passed away in Karnataka. The Karnataka Working Journalists’ Association (KUWJ) expressed condolences on his sudden demise, remembering him for his contributions to journalism.       Image:  KUWJ

Senior entertainment journalist K. J. Kumar passed away in Mysuru after suffering a heart attack, Deccan Herald reported. Following the news of Kumar’s death, Karnataka Working Journalists’ Association (KUWJ) State President Shivananda Tagadoor expressed grief and condolences. He said Kumar’s sudden demise is a loss to the journalism fraternity. Colleagues and members of the film fraternity also remembered Kumar for his dedication to reporting on the cinema industry.

The Sikkim government, led by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang‑Golay, has taken steps to support journalists while maintaining respect for editorial independence. Since assuming office in 2019, the administration has emphasised creating conditions for media professionals to work with dignity, security, and recognition. Key initiatives include the establishment of a permanent Press Club Bhawan, inaugurated in December 2020 after nearly two decades without a dedicated space and the provision of a 17‑seater vehicle to the Press Club in July 2023 to aid reporting across the state, Sikkim Express reported. During the COVID‑19 pandemic, journalists were recognized as frontline workers and given early vaccination access. In 2024, more than 90 accredited journalists were also covered under a state‑supported health insurance scheme at CRH Manipal. These measures highlight the government’s approach of empowering the press as the fourth pillar of democracy without shaping its v

At a time when the newspaper industry is gradually dissipating in India and rest of the world (except a handful of large players), the Maharashtra government's decision to complete the process of establishing Economic Development Corporations for journalists and newspaper vendors before the next legislative session is a welcome move for several reasons. According to media reports, the initiative seeks to support journalists and newspaper vendors who faced hardships during and after the Covid-19 pandemic, including job losses and delays in welfare schemes like the Balshastri Jambhekar pension plan. The scheme may also provide assistance for housing, education, and tax benefits for readers purchasing newspapers. What's really admirable, at least to this columnist, about this scheme is that while several economic schemes and benefits have been doled out for the journalist community, which is highly influential and is sought after by state and central governments, very few i