The Judicial First Class Magistrate Court I in Kochi on Tuesday granted bail to C.G. Shankar and S. Mani, the journalist and cameraman with Republic TV who were arrested on Saturday for allegedly filming an Iranian warship in a restricted zone at Cochin Port. The two were taken into custody after authorities alleged that the crew had filmed the vessel in a sensitive area of the port without permission. Following their arrest, the Committee to Protect Journalists expressed concern and urged Indian authorities to drop all pending charges against the journalists. The organisation also said authorities should stop using espionage laws to criminalise legitimate journalism. The development was earlier reported by Influencing India on Monday, highlighting the arrest of the Republic TV journalists.

Editors Guild of India (EGi) will host an online conversation with Rasmus Kleis Nielsen on the theme “Wars, Mass Layoffs and AI: Journalism in the Age of Disruption” on March 12, 2026. The discussion will begin at 2:30 pm IST (10 am CET) and will focus on the changing global media landscape amid geopolitical conflicts, newsroom layoffs and the growing influence of artificial intelligence. Nielsen is a professor at the Department of Communication at the University of Copenhagen and the Director of the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism. His research examines journalism, digital media and the future of news. The session is open for everyone but registration is compulsory for non-members. Registration link: https://forms.gle/u4hpeUbNaekKj1LA

The Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) has reportedly assisted four individuals over the past week whose social media profiles were allegedly censored without prior notice, an opportunity to be heard, or access to any reasoned order. According to the organisation, those affected include journalists and political cartoonists, raising concerns about the implications of such actions for free expression and press freedom. IFF said the censorship measures appear to be constitutionally flawed both in process and in substance. The organisation has also called for the immediate recall and review of recently issued blocking orders and the Sahyog censorship platform. It urged authorities to review current administrative practices governing such actions in line with the legal principles laid down in Shreya Singhal v. Union of India, while emphasising the need to reform website-blocking powers to protect lawful speech.

Veteran Odisha journalist Ashutosh Mishra passed away at the age of 68 on Sunday night, according to a report by The Wire.  Mishra, who had a career spanning nearly four decades, worked with several prominent publications including The Times of India, The Pioneer and The Telegraph, and also contributed regularly to The Wire. His reporting often focused on Odisha’s political landscape and social issues in the state.  Originally from Varanasi, Mishra grew up in Rourkela after his father moved there as a school teacher. Over the years, he became closely associated with Odisha’s media circles and was known for his political reporting and analysis.   Image: The Wire

Veteran journalist Narayan Bareth passed away in Jaipur on March 7 after suffering a cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment for pneumonia. He was 68. During his career, Bareth worked with the BBC and later served as the Rajasthan Information Commissioner. He was widely respected for his contributions to journalism and public administration. According to The Economic Times, former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot and several political leaders expressed grief over his death and remembered his work in journalism and public service.

Senior journalist and author S. M. Shah Nawaz passed away on March 5 at the RML Nursing Home. He was associated with the Urdu fortnightly Mustaqbil as its editor for more than four decades. According to Kashmir Convener, Shah Nawaz had a strong interest in short story writing and theatre, and collaborated with personalities such as Ebrahim Alkazi. His stories were published in Dharmyug, Sarika and Kadambini. He also worked with Sushma, Tajir and Rakt Daan.

Influencing is pleased to announce this year’s shortlisted finalists for the Samsung Australian IT Journalism Awards. This year's Lizzies are supported by Samsung Australia, Adobe, Apptio, ARM Hub, Aussie Broadband, Australian Computer Society (ACS), Cisco, Kinetic IT, Meta, MYOB, Optus, PEXA and Watterson. With record amount of submissions across 25 different categories, entries have now been whittled down to the shortlisted finalists and nominations, with winners to be announced on Friday, 27th March at Doltone House Jones Bay Wharf, Pyrmont. Thank you to our judges who have spent the past few weeks reviewing each entry, including new award categories for Best Editorial Series Coverage and Media awards to recognise specialist IT titles. The Best Technology Issues Journalist and Top Newsmaker award will not be awarded this year. Tickets are still available for this year’s Lizzies and can be found via on our website, with nominated journalists receiving a free tic