Image edited by Dinesh Raj M   Hot in pursuit of breaking news and digging out scoops 24/7, most journalists in India haven't yet realised that their rights, and the only two legislations protecting the fraternity, have literally vanished into thin air. On November 21, 2025, the central government, in an attempt to consolidate and codify new labour enactments had subsumed 29 labour legislations categorised into four different codes. Among these labour legislations were the Working Journalists and Other Newspaper Employees (Conditions of Service) and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1955 (‘WJ Act’) and the Working Journalists (Fixation of Rate of Wages) Act, 1958. Both these legal protections that were won by the fraternity after years of struggle were subsumed under the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 (‘OSHW Code’) along with 13 other legislations including the Factories Act, 1948, the Plantation Labour Act, 1951, the

Field reporting brings journalists close to real life. It also places them in situations that can change without warning. Over time, experienced reporters learn a simple rule: safety is not optional. It is professional. Preparation begins before stepping out. Reporters study the location, assess possible flashpoints, plan entry and exit routes, and decide how and when to check in. In the field, they read the room constantly — crowd mood, police movement, tone shifts, and small signals that suggest when a situation might turn. They keep editors or trusted contacts updated with location and assignment details at regular intervals so that help can be arranged quickly if needed. Helmets, masks, protective clothing, and first-aid kits are not accessories during protests, conflict, or disaster coverage. They are standard tools. Just as important is restraint. Journalists avoid arguments with crowds or authorities, respect local sensitivities, and protect their devices and recording

For students of English Journalism at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi, Sunday, February 1 turned into a workday as they followed the Union Budget live and produced a Lab Journal in a simulated newsroom environment. The exercise gave students first-hand exposure to the speed, pressure and accuracy required in a professional news setup. Working in real time, they experienced the challenges of reporting, editing, and publishing under deadline conditions — mirroring the workflow of a functioning newsroom. Faculty members said the initiative was designed to help students bridge classroom learning with industry practice, preparing them for the demands of contemporary journalism.

Picture Credit: PCI  The Press Club of India on Tuesday expressed grief over the demise of senior journalist and its member Yogesh Vajpayee, calling his passing a major loss to the journalism fraternity. In a statement, the PCI conveyed condolences to his family, friends and colleagues, and said his contribution to journalism would be remembered with respect. A condolence meeting in his memory will be held on February 7, Saturday, at 4 pm at the Press Club of India lawn. Vajpayee passed away on January 28, 2026, at his residence in Noida. He was around 79 years old and is survived by his wife and two children, Samachar4Media reported, Vajpayee had a long career in journalism spanning several decades. He started with the National Herald and later worked with Northern India Patrika, The Times of India, The Indian Express, The New Indian Express, The Telegraph and Tehelka. He was also associated with Lokmat Times. He was known for his reporting style and analysis on Uttar Pradesh

Several Opposition leaders have criticised the Jammu and Kashmir administration over the detention of freelance journalist Khushal Khawaja, who reported on the closure of the Sadna Pass in Kupwara and its impact on patients in the Karnah valley, The Scroll reported. Khawaja, a North Kashmir–based journalist, was detained by police for several hours on Thursday and released later with instructions to report again the next day, former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said. She alleged that the action followed his reporting on the road closure, which she claimed stranded critically ill patients and led to the death of a young girl. Khawaja told The Wire that he was detained after questioning alleged negligence at a government hospital following the death of a seven-year-old girl from Luntha village. The child died near a helipad while being prepared for airlifting to Srinagar for treatment. He said police seized his phone and detained him without giving a clear reason. Earlier, Khawaj

The Press Information Bureau (PIB), Srinagar Region, on Sunday, Feb 1, flagged off a five-day media tour to Kerala for journalists from Srinagar as part of its ongoing media outreach programme. The tour will continue till February 7. A 14-member delegation, including journalists and PIB officials, is participating in the visit, which aims to provide firsthand exposure to key Central government initiatives and national-level programmes. Ahead of the departure, PIB Srinagar Director Qazi Salman briefed the delegation on the objectives of the tour and urged participants to engage meaningfully during official interactions. The delegation is being led by Majid Pandit, Media and Communication Officer, PIB Srinagar. During the visit, the journalists will tour Central government institutions and projects in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram and interact with senior officials to gain insights into their functioning.

After an extraordinary 25 years behind the mic on Afternoons, James Valentine will farewell 702 ABC Radio Sydney with a special two‑hour retrospective program this Friday afternoon. “I won’t be coming back this year to the microphone and the Afternoons program” Valentine said. “Tt’s time for me to retire." “This decision has been hard for me to make but I need to focus on getting better and being with family and friends and making sure I’m giving my health my best shot.” “This coming Friday, Jen Fleming, long-time producer of the program and myself want to present a retrospective; the best of Afternoons, to capture what we’ve made in those 25 years.” James said as he announced the program on Monday. Across the week, Valentine's loyal audience is invited to share favourite memories, moments and stories on the 702 ABC Radio Sydney Facebook page. These will be reflected on during Friday’s special