S8UL Esports and 8Bit Creatives have appointed Max Level as their PR agency to enhance brand visibility and deepen connections with fans, stakeholders, and the broader gaming community. In a media release accessed by Influencing India, Animesh Agarwal, co-founder of 8Bit and S8UL, highlighted the partnership's strategic importance, stating, "For our vision of setting a benchmark in Indian gaming, esports, and content creation, Max Level will play a significant part. Their understanding of the gaming ecosystem and strategic communication skills make them an ideal partner to enhance our journey." Siddharth Nayyar, co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Max Level expressed his excitement about collaborating with industry leaders like S8UL and 8Bit. He noted, "They are trailblazers in the Indian gaming industry, and we are honoured to be part of their journey. Our goal is to bring their innovative spirit to the forefront of the global gaming community." With a strong background in g

Pavan Kaushik has been appointed director of corporate communication at OfBusiness, marking a significant milestone in his 35-year career in communication and public relations. Speaking to Influencing India, Kaushik emphasised his focus on building a strong brand, effectively positioning the company to external stakeholders and enhancing employee engagement. "Meaningful engagement and the right content positioned across print, digital, social and new media are essential for creating large, impactful campaigns," he said. A key priority for Kaushik is crafting a robust communication strategy to support OfBusiness's planned IPO in FY 2026. Guiding a small yet skilled team of 3-4 professionals, he aims to elevate the company’s communication approach. Expressing pride in joining OfBusiness, Kaushik described the company as a "powerhouse in B2B commerce," with its financial services arm, Oxyzo, making a significant impact by supporting SMEs with working capital. "It’s an incredible

The Media Foundation (TMF) is now accepting applications and nominations for three distinguished journalism awards: the Chameli Devi Jain Award for Outstanding Woman Media Person of the Year, the Vishwa Nath-Delhi Press Award for Fearless Journalism, and the Kamla Mankekar Award for Journalism on Gender. Each award carries a cash prize of Rs 50,000 and will be evaluated by an independent jury. Submissions can be in English, Hindi, or any Indian language, with English translations required for regional language entries. The Chameli Devi Jain Award, instituted in 1981 in memory of the noted freedom fighter, celebrates women journalists who have demonstrated social concern, courage, originality, and insight through their work. Eligible applicants include journalists across print, broadcast, digital media, documentary filmmaking, photography, cartooning, and design. Preference will be given to journalists from small towns or rural areas and those yet to be recognized with similar honou

Veteran journalist Lexy Hamilton-Smith will anchor the ABC 7 pm News in Queensland on Fridays and Saturdays starting February 14, joining Jessica van Vonderen to complete the all-female presenting team stated an official press release. Van Vonderen will continue hosting the bulletin from Sunday to Thursday. Hamilton-Smith, an award-winning journalist with over 35 years of experience, is one of Queensland's most respected reporters.  She has previously presented ABC's Australia Television News into Asia and currently works as a reporter and presenter in Brisbane's state newsroom. Queensland State News Editor Michelle Mayman praised Hamilton-Smith for her authority, warmth, and ability to connect with audiences, saying the team is thrilled to have her on board.  Hamilton-Smith, a recipient of a Queensland Mental Health Media Award, has covered a wide range of topics, including aged care, mental health and homelessness.  

  ABC Victoria has announced Nic Healey as the new host of its Statewide Mornings program, according to a media release.  Originally from Deniliquin, NSW, Healey joined ABC in 2018 and has since helmed regional breakfast radio in Karratha (WA), Dubbo (NSW), and Shepparton (Victoria). “I’m honoured and excited to be stepping behind the mic on Statewide Mornings,” Healey said, adding that the move from breakfast radio to the mornings slot will bring a welcome change. “That extra hour of sleep will feel life-changing,” he joked. Regional Editor Toni Hetherington praised Healey’s extensive experience and connection with regional audiences, emphasizing that his voice is already familiar to listeners across Victoria. Healey, who will be based in Shepparton, will debut in his new role on Monday, January 13.  

View from the Press Rooms The Supreme Court’s deliberation on the constitutional validity of the law governing the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs) has brought legislative powers and judicial oversight into sharp focus. According to The Indian Express, the apex court emphasised that the issue transcends mere appointments, touching the bedrock of democracy and the autonomy of constitutional offices. As reported by Krishnadas Rajagopal for The Hindu, the legal debate pits the judiciary’s interpretation of constitutional mandates against Parliament’s legislative prerogative, making it a litmus test of institutional boundaries. Through the Digital Lens Deccan Herald and Economic Times zeroed in on the controversy. The law, enacted in 2024, shifts the responsibility of appointing the CEC and ECs to a panel headed by the Prime Minister, with no judicial oversight. Critics argue this undermines the independence of the Election

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has recently introduced the draft Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, 2025, to bolster citizens’ control over their personal data in the digital space.   The rules are designed to “empower citizens” in a rapidly growing digital economy. The draft rules are based on wide-ranging inputs gathered from various stakeholders and a study of global best practices.   Subhashis Biswas, product manager at Societe Generale, detailed how businesses will foster a privacy-first culture in software products in his article “Introducing the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules: A Step Toward Privacy and Data Protection in India.”   Commenting on the global attention to data privacy, Biswas stated, “The DPDP draft rules not only align with India’s data protection goals but also bring the country in line with international privacy standards like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the European U