The distribution of newspapers across Punjab was significantly disrupted on Sunday, following reports that vehicles carrying publications were stopped at multiple police checkpoints between Saturday night and Sunday morning. Punjab Police stated that the action was based on “specific intelligence inputs.” However, the explanation has drawn criticism from media organisations and opposition leaders, with some describing the move as politically motivated. According to a Hindustan Times report, opposition figures referred to the incident as “Sheesh Mahal 2.0,” in reference to the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. The Chandigarh Press Club (CPC) and the Press Club of India (PCI) issued statements condemning the police action, describing it as a violation of press freedom. The CPC reported that several newspaper delivery vehicles were stopped and, in some cases, taken to police stations for inspection, resulting in delays and alleged harassment of delivery personnel. Incid

Ayurvedic wellness brand Amrutam has engaged strategic communications agency The Other Circle (TOC) to lead its public relations and reputation management efforts across India. The partnership aims to enhance Amrutam’s national visibility and promote Ayurveda as an authentic, ethical, and evidence-based wellness system. Amrutam, certified by the Ministry of AYUSH, is known for its women-first approach and its guiding philosophy, “Health is Beauty.” The collaboration with TOC will focus on reinforcing Amrutam’s commitment to classical Ayurvedic principles and expanding its reach among diverse audiences. The brand’s offerings prioritise internal wellness through traditional Ayurvedic processes and are designed to support women across various life stages—from menarche to menopause. These are complemented by community-driven initiatives such as blogs, podcasts, and online consultations. “Central to Amrutam’s model is our women-first approach, supporting holistic health

Richard Barman, a noted video and photojournalist currently associated with Northeast Now, is showcasing his artistic photographs at a prestigious international exhibition in Caracas, Venezuela. Barman is among only two Indian artists selected to participate in the exclusive biennial event, VI Biennial of the South–BRICS, Peoples in Resistance, The Power of Diversity. The exhibition, which celebrates global artistic talent and diversity, is currently underway and will conclude on January 16, 2026. His photographic works, which vividly portray the social and political narratives of Assam, have drawn significant attention at the event. According to Northeast Now, the President of Venezuela personally visited the venue and viewed Barman’s photographs on display.

  Punjab Police are investigating the abduction of Canada-based journalist and Hamdard TV anchor Gurpiar Singh, who was reportedly kidnapped from the channel’s office in Shivalik Vihar, Naya Gaon, around 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday. According to police sources, two individuals dressed as Nihangs allegedly forced Singh into a vehicle. One of the suspects has been identified as Gurdeep Singh, who is reportedly associated with the Sikh Bandi Chudao Morcha. Following directives from Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav and Mohali Senior Superintendent of Police, multiple teams have been deployed to trace the suspects. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and questioning local residents to determine the route taken by the abductors, The Tribune reported. Amar Singh Bhullar, Chief Editor and owner of Hamdard TV, confirmed that police were informed immediately after the incident. The investigation is ongoing, with teams pursuing leads based on eyewitness statements and surveillance foo

Veteran journalist and The Week’s Senior Special Correspondent, Tariq Bhat, passed away in Srinagar on Tuesday at the age of 54. He reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest around 8.30 am, according to a post by The Week quoting his family. A journalist known for his integrity and depth of reporting, Tariq had been with The Week for 24 years. He joined the Malayala Manorama Group as a Senior Correspondent on November 27, 2001. Before that, he worked with The Indian Express. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, expressed grief over Bhat’s demise on X (formerly Twitter). He wrote, “Shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden demise of senior journalist Tariq Ahmad Bhat. Tariq was among the most respected journalists of Jammu and Kashmir, known for his integrity and commitment to truthful reporting. Throughout his career, he remained a voice of accuracy and impartiality, upholding the highest standards of journalism even in difficult and trying circum

Image source: HT and TOI; Edited by Dinesh Raj M   Campaigning for the crucial first phase of the assembly elections in Bihar ended on Tuesday as top leaders of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Opposition Grand Alliance criss-crossed the poll-bound state, exchanging jibes and making promises to the 74.2 million electorate. In the first phase on November 6, 121 seats across 18 districts go to the polls. Hot Off The Press The campaigning was dominated by questions of jobs, development, law and order caste loyalties and women voters as the NDA accused the Opposition of disrespecting Bihar’s culture and ushering in ‘Jungle Raj’ and the INDIA bloc alleged the ruling coalition had failed the state’s young population, reported Subhash Pathak and Vijay Swaroop for Hindustan Times. Apart from the INDIA bloc and NDA leaders who held whirlwind campaign tours, the third player in the contest – Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor – also held roadshows in Sandesh,

AZK Media has joined the Collectivist Agency, a global technology PR agency network.  AZK Media Founder Azadeh Williams told Influencing, “It's a great community where we all come together, we share ideas, and if leads and prospects are coming through with the Collectivists Agency's founder and the network itself, they forward us leads.  “On the other hand, if we represent APAC, if we have clients that are expanding to areas that we don't necessarily service, we can then bring in trusted agencies from the Collectivist network to support those regions.”  Williams said AZK Media’s arrival in the group came from a connection with Bench PR’s Jocelyn Hunter, who connected them to the founder, Gavin Loader.  “We started getting some connections and opportunities, then thought, How can we make this formal? There were a couple of interviews, and we thought it would be good value for us to be part of it and not only to attract fresh opportunities for our business but also