The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) held a dialogue on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on academic research, with researchers discussing the need for ethical practices, original thinking and field-based research. Prof. Harish said AI could support research but should be used responsibly, while researchers should prioritise critical observation, independent analysis and original thinking. He also stressed the importance of reducing screen dependence and engaging directly with society. Prof. Anurag Dave called for an interdisciplinary approach to media and communication research, highlighting the need to examine how technological developments intersect with social dynamics. The session was moderated by Dr Bala Lakhendra and concluded with a vote of thanks by department head Prof. Gyan Prakash Mishra   Image credit: ANI  

Journalist Upendra Kumar was allegedly assaulted and had his mobile phone snatched while reporting on a tree collapse incident in UP's Katia village, under the Manpur police station limits. According to his complaint, Kumar was gathering information at the site when two men, identified as Awadhesh Shukla and Kuldeep Yadav, allegedly attacked him, damaged his two‑wheeler, seized his phone, and issued threats. Kumar later approached the Manpur police station and submitted a complaint to the district Superintendent of Police via the Jansunwai portal, alleging he was pressured to settle the matter. The claims of pressure and threats could not be independently verified, and the accused have not commented. Circle Officer Biswan Harshit Chauhan confirmed that the station chief has been instructed to investigate. Police said legal action will follow based on the findings of the inquiry.   

The Journalist Social Welfare Committee held its monthly meeting at its district office in UP's Bhulawai, Sambhal, where members discussed journalist unity, organisational strengthening and the responsibilities of journalism. Led by National President Suraj Bhan Baghel and District President Suresh Dayal, the meeting brought together committee officials and members from across the district. Speakers highlighted the role of journalists in raising public issues and stressed the importance of fair, fearless and public-interest journalism. Members were urged to work together with coordination and discipline, raise journalists’ concerns through the organisation and strengthen engagement with government and administrative authorities. The meeting also discussed upcoming organisational activities and emphasised the role of journalists in representing vulnerable and marginalised communities. Officials and members present included Vinod Raghav, Rajkumar, Mahendra Singh Maurya, Sa

Tuesday, 22 September 2026 #1  ·  Times Business  ·  Data story / In-depth feature GST rate rejig helps consumers upgrade By Aabhas Sharma & Asmita Dey   ·   The Times of India, New Delhi  ·  Page 18 One year after GST rate cuts on automobiles, consumer electronics and FMCG goods, the story tracks the uneven impact across sectors: passenger vehicle dispatches hit a record 12.7 lakh units in Q1 FY26 and two-wheelers rose 20%, but TV shipment growth stalled after the Iran war triggered uncertainty, and FMCG volume gains are now being eroded by rising input costs. The report draws on Siam data, Counterpoint Research trackers, and on-record statements from Intex and Liberty Shoes executives. Uses a one-year anniversary peg to compile cross-sector data — autos, TVs, FMCG — with named corporate sources and quarterly granularity, delivering a genuinely analytical assessment of policy impact rather than

A Delhi court directed the Cyber Police Station in New Delhi to register an FIR against journalist Karishma Aziz over alleged derogatory posts and videos targeting Hindu religious figures, historical personalities and India on X, according to The News Mill.   Chief Judicial Magistrate Mridul Gupta passed the order following a complaint by advocate Amita Sachdeva, stating that the allegations disclosed cognizable offences requiring investigation. The complaint cited posts allegedly mocking a Hindu saint’s disability, criticising  Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and making derogatory remarks about Hinduism, historical figures and Veer Savarkar. The Cyber Police said the content also constituted political and historical commentary, criticism and satire, and found no evidence of deliberate communal incitement.  The court directed the SHO to register the FIR and submit a compliance report within a week, while clarifying that the order does not establish the allegatio

The Press Club of India commemorated journalist Maulvi Muhammad Baqar’s 169th martyrdom anniversary on September 16, highlighting his contributions to field reporting, press freedom and inclusive journalism.  Speakers including Wajahat Habibullah, Mani Shankar Aiyar, Gautam Lahiri and Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty discussed Baqar’s role during the 1857 uprising and connected his legacy with contemporary issues of press freedom, transparency and access to information.  India Tomorrow Chief Editor Syed Khalique Ahmed called for greater recognition of Baqar in journalism curricula and research, describing him as a pioneer of investigative and on-the-ground reporting. The programme was moderated by senior journalist A.U. Asif.  Image credit: India Tomorrow 

For Kunal Majumder, the changing nature of journalist safety can partly be measured by geography. When he began his career two decades ago, safety was something reporters thought about mainly while covering conflict-prone or restive areas, parts of Chhattisgarh, the Northeast, Kashmir. That distinction, he argues, has largely disappeared. Journalists today can face physical intimidation in the national capital, legal action over their work, digital attacks from anywhere and abuse that extends to their families. "The world has changed drastically in the last 20 years," Majumder told Influencing Insider. Majumder brings two decades of experience as a reporter, editor, educator and press freedom advocate to that assessment. He currently serves as Asia-Pacific Program Coordinator at the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Asked about the structural pressures facing Indian journalism, Majumder starts with the business model. "Journalism business model is broken,&quo