Thursday 19 March 2026 National   The Australian Gulp War: consumers full of fear Matthew Denholm, Perry Williams and Greg Brown reports warnings from business and farm leaders that fears over Iran-related instability and supply shortages could sharply dent consumer confidence and raise recession concerns. Chalmers, Albanese set out economic visions ahead of budget Greg Brown details that Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese are outlining competing economic approaches ahead of the budget, including tax reform warnings and proposed industry subsidies. Richest of rich … and the biggest losers The Australian reveals which Australians gained and lost the most wealth, highlighting top winners and those who fell back. It’s only right you help US in Strait’ Joe Kelly and Rosie Lewis reports that Democratic Senator John Fetterman is urging Australia and other US allies to help the United States reopen the Strait of Hormuz amid conflict with Iran.

Wondrlab has been appointed as the communications partner for Audi India. The appointment was finalised following a rigorous multi-agency pitch involving several networks. Under the mandate, Wondrlab will lead Audi India’s brand communication through a platform-first approach, moving beyond standalone campaigns to build a unified and connected brand ecosystem across consumer touchpoints. It will focus on creating integrated brand experiences that live seamlessly across digital, social, content, media and emerging platforms. Speaking on the win, Rakesh Hinduja, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Wondrlab, said, “Audi is one of the most iconic luxury brands in the world, with a clear point of view on design, innovation and progress. Winning this mandate is a strong validation of our platform-first thinking and our belief that brands today are built through connected ecosystems, not isolated campaigns. We’re excited to partner with Audi India to create work that is sharp, distin

Image credit: The Sentinel Senior journalist Utpal Chakraborty, associated with Niyomiya Barta, passed away on Tuesday, March 17, in Guwahati. He was 57. He is survived by his wife and son. Before joining Niyomiya Barta as a senior journalist, he had worked with several other dailies.

A journalist was allegedly assaulted by a policeman in Indiranagar, Uttar Pradesh’s capital, following a dispute over moving a car. CCTV footage of the incident has gone viral on social media. The journalist, identified as Shamim Akhtar, claimed the policeman stopped him during an argument and then beat him. Reports said Akhtar sustained fractures in both hands. CCTV visuals show the officer opening the car door, engaging in a verbal altercation, dragging him out, and continuing the assault. Later, Akhtar was seen with both hands in plaster. Akhtar submitted a written complaint at the Indiranagar police station, stating the CCTV footage clearly captured the assault. However, no FIR had been registered at the time of reporting, raising concern among residents over the delay in action despite video evidence. Police responded that no constable by the name mentioned in the complaint is posted at the station, adding that the matter is under investigation and legal action will follow

  A view of the bridge that collapsed at Roop Nagar in New Delhi- picture by Praveen Khanna - The New Indian Express    War, festivals spark labour shortage fears Ratna Bhushan, Shally Mohile and Writankar Mukherjee for The Economic Times reported that a war raging about 3,500 km away is among the reasons that large factories, small-scale manufacturing units and quick commerce companies are bracing for a shortage of workers. Some aren't reporting for work while others have started leaving the big cities amid a shortage of LPG that's making it difficult to keep staff canteens running and the home fires burning. Workers haven't returned from the Holi break, companies said. Some executives also cited Ramadan, which runs for another week or so. And, apart from that, West Bengal is set for one of the most hotly contested elections in its history. "A significant majority of delivery workforce, specially across the North India belt, are from West Bengal and they have said they plan

Ranju Dodum from Arunachal Pradesh represented India at a two-week professional exchange programme in the United States focused on the impact of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies on journalism. Titled ‘AI and technology in journalism for the Indo-Pacific’, the programme was held from February 28 to March 14 under the Edward R Murrow Program for Journalists, part of the International Visitor Leadership Program. Dodum was the only participant from India, joining journalists from 11 countries. Supported by the US Department of State and administered by American Councils for International Education, the programme brought together media professionals, academics and policy experts. Participants travelled across multiple US cities, engaging in discussions on newsroom innovation, digital transformation and the ethical challenges of AI in journalism, while sharing perspectives on evolving media landscapes and underrepresented voices, Arunachal Times reported.&nb

Image source: Chennai Press Club; Edited by Dinesh Raj M   The Tamil Nadu government’s latest welfare measures for journalists mark a significant and necessary intervention in an increasingly fragile profession. Following representations from the Chennai Press Club, Chief Minister M. K. Stalin approved a set of long-pending demands--raising pensions from Rs 12,000 to Rs 15,000, increasing family pensions, issuing health insurance cards, and allocating house sites for journalists in Chengalpattu district. These decisions are not merely administrative announcements; they are acknowledgements of a deeper structural reality. Journalism, as an institution, continues to play a critical public role, yet the individuals who sustain it often do so without adequate financial or social security. In that context, welfare measures such as pensions, healthcare, and housing are not privileges, but overdue safeguards. Tamil Nadu’s move also reflects a broader national pattern. S