Secret rail loop levy sparks fresh blowback for Victorian Labor A previously undisclosed levy on public transport fares has been exposed as part of the funding mix for Victoria’s Suburban Rail Loop, reigniting arguments over transparency, cost blowouts and whether the mega-project should proceed. The auditor-general’s warnings have sharpened the political stakes for Premier Ben Carroll, with critics framing the charge as a “secret tax” on commuters at a time of broader cost-of-living pressure. Covered by: The Age, Australian Financial Review, Herald Sun. Inflation surprise puts September rate rise firmly back on the table Hotter-than-expected July inflation has lifted market and economist expectations that the Reserve Bank could hike again as soon as September, extending the squeeze on mortgage holders and renters. Politically, the data risks becoming a referendum on Labor’s economic management, with some coverage explicitly linking further rate pain to voter volatility. C

Pushpa Gujral Science City organised a seminar on ‘Science Journalism: The Ethics, Impact and Reporting of Modern Science’, bringing together more than 150 young journalists, journalism students and teachers from colleges across Punjab.  Dr Rajesh Grover, Director of Pushpa Gujral Science City, stressed the role of science journalists in making complex scientific information accessible, countering misinformation and taking research to local communities in regional languages. He also urged journalists to report issues such as climate change with accurate information, hope and practical solutions.  Dr Archana R Singh, Chairperson of the School of Communication Studies at Panjab University, said science journalism helps people make informed decisions on health, environment and technology. News18 Editor Gaurav Shukla also shared insights from his journalism experience and offered tips on scientific reporting.  The semi

A PIL in the Supreme Court has challenged restrictions on journalists and other outsiders entering government schools in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, arguing that child-safety safeguards should not become blanket barriers to public-interest scrutiny. Filed by social activist Priya Mishra under Article 32 and represented by advocate Narendra Mishra, the petition challenges orders requiring prior permission to enter government schools and written approval for photography, videography, interviews, audio recording and live-streaming. The plea acknowledges the need to protect children's privacy, dignity and safety but argues that these concerns can be addressed without preventing journalists from documenting the condition of publicly funded schools. The challenge follows an August 16 circular from the Rajasthan Education Department requiring outsiders to obtain permission from the head of an institution before entering school premises. It also cites an August 19 order from the Distri

Journalists staged a sit-in protest at the Hajipur Collectorate premises on Tuesday after being denied passes to cover Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary’s programme in Bidupur block. Reporters from print, electronic, YouTube, and social media platforms gathered near the District Magistrate’s office, symbolically putting down their microphones in protest. Senior journalist Abhishek Shasvat said the DM’s office had sought photographs on August 24 to prepare passes for the event scheduled the next day, August 25. However, despite submitting the required documents, journalists were denied entry at the venue.  Shasvat noted that while he did not attend, his colleagues were refused access and subsequently staged the sit-in. The Chief Minister’s programme was held at the Government Engineering College in Bidupur, with the District Public Relations Office expected to issue passes. Journalists demanded a clear and timely system for press accreditation, stressing that such lapses

Journalist Abhishek Upadhyay has welcomed the Supreme Court’s interim protection against coercive action by the Uttar Pradesh Police, saying the order would make it easier for journalists to report without fear and could bring greater transparency to police action. “This is a very good order to protect freedom of speech. With this order, working as a journalist and reporting will become very easy, and the truth will come out,” Upadhyay told Influencing India. He said requiring authorities to produce records could also help scrutinise cases filed against journalists. “Now they will have to keep all the details, they will have to provide the FIR, CCTV, and all such details,” he said. The Supreme Court on Wednesday stayed coercive action against Upadhyay in connection with an FIR registered over an alleged road-rage incident. The interim protection was also extended to any future FIR that may be registered against him by the Uttar Pradesh Police. A bench comprising Chief

Shoolini University’s School of Media and Communications hosted a guest lecture by alumna Shubh Rana, Assistant Producer at BBC News Hindi, for media students. She discussed reporting, anchoring and documentary filmmaking, while highlighting the importance of journalistic ethics, responsible communication and building trust with sources.  Rana also shared insights into effective news anchoring, including confidence, communication, body language and audience engagement. She introduced students to documentary storytelling techniques such as shot types, B-roll and montage, and encouraged them to develop and present short documentary ideas.  She urged aspiring media professionals to strengthen their communication skills, expand their knowledge and continue learning as the media industry evolves.   Image credit: Shoolini University

Senior journalists Siddharth Varadarajan, Anusha Ravi Sood, Krishna Prasad and K Srinivas discussed the challenges facing Indian journalism at the Book Brahma Literature Festival in Bengaluru on August 23.   At the session titled Truth Under Pressure: Journalism, Democracy and the Public Mind, they highlighted how the race for clicks, political and business pressures, financial constraints and changing audience habits are affecting newsrooms.  The panel stressed that the growing speed of digital news has often come at the cost of verification, context and editorial independence. Varadarajan said media organisations were becoming increasingly risk-averse, while Prasad criticised editors for losing the courage to question those in power. Srinivas highlighted the pressures faced by regional newsrooms and journalists.  The discussion also focused on short-form content and whether journalism can compete with reels and entertai