Newly elected Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Patrakar Parishad (ABMPP) president Shivraj Katkar has outlined an agenda focused on housing, welfare benefits, accreditation, support for small publications and recognition of digital journalists across Maharashtra. Speaking with Influencing India, the senior journalist from Sangli said strengthening support for journalists at the grassroots would be among his immediate priorities. With the Parishad having a presence across most talukas in Maharashtra, Katkar said it would push for a Patrakar Bhavan in every taluka and explore cooperative housing societies where such facilities cannot be established quickly. “If setting up Patrakar Bhavans takes time, we will pursue cooperative housing societies for journalists,” he said, adding that the initiative should cover eligible print and electronic journalists without discrimination. Another priority is addressing difficulties faced by senior journalists seeking assistance under the Balshastri J

Chalmers blinks on trust tax as backlash bites Treasurer Jim Chalmers has softened Labor’s proposed trust-tax changes, offering a one-time election that would let existing trusts avoid the planned minimum tax and preserve common structures like bucket companies and income splitting. The shift signals the government is trying to contain political and business blowback while still pursuing integrity and revenue goals—though critics warn the redesign may still create costly state stamp-duty complications. Covered by: Australian Financial Review, Australian Financial Review, The Australian. Private health changes spark hospital ‘bed-block’ warning States and major tabloids are warning that proposed tweaks to private health insurance settings—particularly affecting older Australians—could push more patients into the public system and worsen already severe hospital bed-blocking linked to aged-care bottlenecks. The debate is shaping into a federal–state blame game over who ca

Srishti Ghosh Shinde has been promoted to Head of PR and Communications at Tide.  Previously, she served as PR and Communications Lead at the same organisation. Shinde started her career at Saffron Media Pvt. Ltd. as a business reporter. She later joined Bennett Coleman and Co. Ltd. (Times Group), where she worked as a Correspondent-cum-Copy Editor. Speaking to Influencing, she said, “I’m very excited to start a new role as Head of PR and Communications at Tide. In this role, I will be leading PR and Communications for Tide India, shaping corporate reputation, executive positioning, public affairs, crisis and issues management, thought leadership and strategic communications.” She further thanked her seniors and colleagues for trusting her, challenging and backing her, and giving her the space to grow along the way. 

The Kantabanji Press Club celebrated its 6th annual function at the Royal Tulip Complex in a grand atmosphere. The event, presided over by President Prabhajit Singh Saluja, focused on journalism’s responsibilities, media’s role in society, and the importance of highlighting regional issues. Former Rajya Sabha MP Niranjan Bishi attended as chief guest, while Municipal Councilor Bariyam Singh Saluja was guest of honour. Senior advocate Pramod Mishra delivered the keynote address, stressing integrity, impartiality, and responsibility in journalism. Treasurer Kamaljeet Singh Makhija and Secretary Surdas Bagh were also present. Speakers described the media as a mirror of society, voicing public concerns and injustices. The highlight was a felicitation ceremony, where several personalities, including retired teacher Vibhudutt Sahu, doctor Dr Pratap Kumar Sahu, sarpanch Banmali Nayak, and educationist Rajesh Mahanthy, were honoured with awards such as the Late

The Agartala Press Club strongly condemned the incident in which a group of miscreants allegedly snatched copies of Daily Desher Katha from six newspaper hawkers in the Supribagan area of Krishnanagar in Agartala on Monday morning and set them on fire. The Press Club called it a "barbaric attack" on the freedom of the newspaper to express its independent views. The hawkers were also allegedly threatened with death, according to the Agartala Press Club. Following the incident, Daily Desher Katha editor Samir Pal filed an FIR at West Agartala police station. The newspaper has alleged that the incident was carried out by miscreants backed by the ruling party. The allegation has not been independently verified. The Press Club demanded that the police arrest those responsible and take necessary legal action against them. It also urged the Chief Minister to intervene and ensure the safety of newspapers and other media organisations in the state. The Press Club said attacks of this na

Photo courtesy: @harmeetsingh, Facebook   Harmeet Singh, widely regarded as the first Sikh television anchor and mainstream journalist in Pakistan’s 79‑year history, has alleged that he is being systematically targeted for his outspoken and independent views. Singh claimed he was first removed from TV screens and later barred from appearing as a political analyst on multiple channels. He also alleged a police raid on his media office, during which computers, cameras, microphones, and other equipment were seized. In a social media message, Singh reflected on his journey: “I came out of a marginalised community, and reaching mainstream media was never easy.”  Notably, Singh's Twitter account has been withheld in India currently in response to a legal demand. He said the trouble began after his coverage of the Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf (PTI) in November 2024, which led to cases being registered against him, including an FIR in Islamabad and an

Former 2GB broadcaster Ray Hadley’s explosive text messages about former colleague and radio rival Alan Jones have emerged as a key focus of cross-examination in Jones’ criminal trial, as Hadley returned to the witness box this week for cross-examination by Jones’ barrister Gabrielle Bashir SC.  The evidence focused heavily on Hadley’s relationship with Jones, his dealings with one of the alleged victims and a secret contract that could have seen him take over Jones’ breakfast radio program. Jones has pleaded not guilty to 20 counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual touching involving six male complainants, and denies that any of the alleged physical acts occurred. One of the complainants, known as C, has alleged Jones touched his penis and kissed him on multiple occasions about 20 years ago. Eight of the indecent assault charges relate to C. C had previously told the court that he tearfully confided in Hadley in October 2019.  H