Image source: ET and TOI; Edited by Dinesh Raj M   The government’s mandate on Monday (December 1, 2025) for smartphone makers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app sparked backlash from the Opposition and from digital rights activists. Sanchar Saathi is an app that the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) launched initially as a website in 2023 to allow users to flag fraudulent phone calls. The app also integrates other tools the DoT has launched in the past, such as a feature to check the “genuineness” of the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number assigned to a device, and to block a stolen phone by barring telecom operators from working on a blacklisted IMEI. Hot off the Press Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that “unilateral directions to preload this app without taking into confidence various stakeholders and citizens is akin to dictatorship,” and that the app was

  OG Media 360 has announced its acquisition of Times of Business, a rapidly growing Instagram-first business news platform. Known for concise business updates and startup coverage, Times of Business will now operate within OG Media 360’s broader social-led ecosystem.  Founder & CEO Ankit Chowdhary said the acquisition accelerates the company’s ambition to build India’s most influential social-first business media network. Co-founder Shivangi Chaudhary noted that Times of Business fits seamlessly into their existing digital IP structure.  For Times of Business, the transition brings greater scale, reach, and sharper storytelling opportunities, said team member Anand Prajapati.  OG Media 360 has outlined plans for platform expansion, premium offerings, interview-led content, and cross-network distribution.  

  NDTV has marked a major milestone in its digital journey, further cementing its place in an era where audiences increasingly turn to online platforms for news. Fresh rankings for November 2025 underline this growth. Databeings placed NDTV India at the very top among Hindi news channels on YouTube, while Playboard confirmed that NDTV 24x7 has held the No. 1 spot among English news channels for six straight months. The numbers speak for themselves. In November alone, NDTV India pulled ahead with more than 700 million views, while NDTV 24x7 maintained a strong lead with 48.2 million views. Together, these figures highlight not just digital expansion but also the trust NDTV continues to enjoy among its audiences. Industry watchers note that this success is no accident. According to Adgully, it follows a deliberate digital overhaul across the network—ranging from sharper use of analytics and improved livestreaming quality to smarter discovery systems and storytelling form

InnovationAus will be releasing up to five podcasts a week in 2026, as announced via its Activate webinar held Tuesday afternoon.  The extended podcast lineup will feature two new additions to the masthead’s podcasting network, with Aussie Quantum and Delivery to be released each Tuesday and Wednesday.  Aussie Quantum, a Q1 project for 2026, will feature host and Editorial Director James Riley covering topics including quantum computing, quantum sensing, semiconductors, and silicon quantum, in a bid to reach beyond its traditional audience.  “It’s a good moment to take a snapshot in time of who the Quantum players are in Australia. What are the capabilities in Australia, and interviewing those players.” Riley said on the webinar. Another new podcast, Delivery, will see one-on-one chats with government technology leaders, including CIOs, CISOs, others who are delivering solutions to satisfy government tech requirements.  “What we

Website @AuManufacturing news and media which first appeared in 2018, and grew out of networking group, the Australian Manufacturing Forum, has closed. @AuManufacturing co-founder Brent Balinski, announced the news on LinkedIn. "It has been a huge privilege to connect so many people through our community, based on our news coverage, campaigns such as the annual Australia’s 50 Most Innovative Manufacturers initiative, our events, newsletter, and other efforts," said Balinksi on LinkedIn. Balinski revealed that co-found Peter Roberts retired at the end of last year, and as of December 1 this year, the title and associated assets are the property of a new owner, who perhaps somehat ironically for an Australian-based publication is French-based, so it may reappear. "We’re happy with what we’ve achieved, but nothing lasts forever," said Balinksi, signing off with, "thanks again, readers, past advertisers and anybody else who ha

ABC Local Radio is set to welcome familiar voices this summer. From Monday 22 December to Sunday 11 January, the summer schedule unites some of the nation’s most recognisable broadcasters with trusted local presenters for a line-up that celebrates connection and community. Over the summer period, journalist and presenter Waleed Aly will host ABC Radio Mornings in all states and territories except Western Australia, bringing his insights and conversation to listeners from 22 December to 9 January. Waleed is a broadcaster, journalist, lawyer, and academic, best known as co-host of Network 10’s The Project. He lectures in politics at Monash University’s Global Terrorism Research Centre and has authored award-winning commentary and books on social and political issues. In 2016, he won the Gold Logie Award for Best Personality on Australian Television, cementing his reputation as one of Australia’s most respected voices. Waleed also presents The Minefield on ABC R

Triple j and Double J have unveiled their 2026 schedules, including new shows and the departure of a Mornings host. Tom Forrest, (pictured left) best known as ‘Outback Tom’, is officially joining the triple j team with Country Club, a new country music show. No stranger to triple j listeners, Forrest has been a longtime friend of the station, guest-hosting on Blak Out, Drive, and over Summer, and has previously held roles in the triple j Unearthed team. A proud First Nations creator, storyteller, and music lover, he is set to bring listeners the very best in country music, as he broadcasts weekly from outback Australia in the Kimberley region of WA. Each week, Sundays at 6pm, he’ll showcase the best sounds and stories from local and international country artists. The second new show is Doof, aiming to be the home of Australia’s best electronic music, DJs and producers. Hosted by triple j presenter Latifa Tee, Doof shines a light on the homegrown electronic