The Bonavero Institute of Human Rights at Oxford University and UNESCO have announced the 2026 edition of their joint Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on freedom of expression, press freedom, access to information, and safety of journalists. Running from October 5 to November 9, 2026, the course will be delivered in seven languages, including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish and is free for judicial actors, journalists, academics, and professionals worldwide. Participants will receive a certificate of completion upon finishing the modules. Each module will feature academic conveners, guest speakers from human rights courts, senior legal practitioners, and international organisations, alongside background materials, quizzes, and discussion forums hosted on EdX. Pre‑registration is now open, with flyers available in all seven languages. Participants are advised to register in only one language version. Certificates will be issued within three mon

Photo courtesy: Tripura Star News, TWJA   The North District Committee of the Tripura Working Journalists’ Association (TWJA) has submitted a six‑point memorandum to the Chief Minister, demanding protection of journalists’ rights and social security. The memorandum was handed over through the District Magistrate of North Tripura on August 31. The association highlighted long‑standing issues faced by journalists, including lack of minimum wages, job security, healthcare, and social security benefits. It alleged that many journalists do not receive appointment letters and are deprived of basic facilities such as a fixed salary structure, leave, and Provident Fund. Key demands include: Mandatory appointment letters with pay scales for all government‑listed media organisations. Increase in journalists’ pension from ₹10,000 to ₹25,000. Withdrawal of the 10‑year eligibility requirement for pension after accreditation. Inclusion of journalists&rs

Integrated communications agency Bridgers has been appointed the official media and PR partner for Anime India’s three-day convention, scheduled from August 28 to 30 at Mumbai’s NESCO Exhibition Centre.  The event is expected to attract over 50,000 attendees and more than 100 exhibitors. Bridgers will manage media outreach, press conferences, journalist invitations, media visits and interviews with international creators, directors and performers from Japan.  Kumar Anubhav, Founder of Bridgers, said, “As an anime fan myself, securing this mandate is an incredibly proud moment for our agency and a direct testament to the hard work of our entire team. We are fully committed to taking the media experience for this convention to the next level, executing a highly structured campaign that seamlessly connects global creators with the Indian press.”  Mishaal Wanvari, Co-Founder of Anime India, said, “Given the massive scale of the event and th

Cabinet Minister Methodius Dkhar on Monday urged for a closer partnership between the media and the administration to improve awareness of government schemes, counter misinformation, and ensure welfare benefits reach intended beneficiaries. Speaking at the PIB Varta Media Sensitisation Workshop on Centrally Sponsored Schemes, organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Shillong in collaboration with the West Khasi Hills district administration, East Mojo reported, Dkhar said both the media and government have a crucial role in bridging information gaps at the grassroots. He highlighted the economic potential of West Khasi Hills, citing tourism, agriculture, horticulture, and sericulture as key growth areas. Improved road connectivity, he added, would strengthen these sectors by facilitating movement of people and produce. Referring to the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM‑JAY), Dkhar stressed the importance of proper beneficiary identification and effective communication

Journalists staged a protest at Albert Ekka Chowk in Ranchi on Saturday against the alleged misbehaviour with a woman journalist and the reported seizure of her camera’s memory card. Held under the banner of the Bharatiya Shramjeevi Patrakar Sangh, the protestors raised slogans against Dumri MLA Jairam Mahato and demanded an impartial inquiry and justice for the journalist.  According to Prabhat Khabar, the journalists alleged that the woman had gone to interview Mahato and was allegedly mistreated by his supporters after the interview, who also forcibly removed the memory card from her camera. They demanded a public apology from the MLA and the immediate return of the card. The journalists threatened to raise the issue with Assembly Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahto if their demands were not addressed and sought stronger measures for media safety.

A doctor travelling to Patna for duty was seriously injured in a road accident in Mashrakh, Bihar, after a scooter collided with his motorcycle. The injured doctor, identified as Dr Harish, sustained serious injuries in the accident. Journalist Prakash Singh reached the spot and helped provide assistance to the injured doctor.  According to Jagran New Media, the journalist, along with the 112 emergency response team, helped ensure that the doctor received timely medical assistance. The doctor was subsequently assisted by the emergency team following the accident. The incident was reported from Mashrakh in Saran district, where the doctor was travelling to Patna for his duty. 

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday, announced a Rs 5,000 increase in the state's social security pension for retired journalists, effective September 1, fulfilling an election promise. He also launched distribution of health cards under the Mukhyamantri Swasthya Bima Yojana, which entitles journalists and their families to cashless treatment of up to Rs 5 lakh at empanelled hospitals across the country. The move has renewed a longstanding demand: a single, uniform pension scheme for journalists across India. Veteran journalist George Kallivayalil, general secretary of the Delhi Senior Journalists Association and a national executive member of the Senior Journalists Federation of India (SJFI), said journalist organisations are pushing for exactly that. "Now, the Senior Journalists Federation and other associations in different states are arguing for a single pension scheme across states. It will be applicable to all journalists, but it will take time," Kallivay