<>   The travel industry is experiencing a significant transformation as women increasingly dominate travel decisions and solo female adventures surge, according to Robyn Foyster, founder of Women Love Travel. “Eighty-two per cent of women are the deciders in all travel decisions," Foyster reveals. "And solo female travellers, the number of them has surged by 131% since 2024. We are seeing a rapid growth in the number of women who are travelling and they're doing more solo travel than ever." The trend has prompted travel companies to adapt their offerings. Foyster notes that major global and local operators are now tailoring experiences specifically for female travelers.  "Even in Deer Valley Park, they have many more women's events that they're doing. Things are being tailored just for women because these travel companies are seeing the trend,” Foyster told Influencing. "Safety remains a primary concern for female travellers. Women feel comfortable with other women,

  Taxing times? Blame the boomers In the Sydney Morning Herald (“Company tax hurting wages productivity”) and The Age (“Albanese shies away from tax reforms”), senior economics correspondent Shane Wright reports the federal Treasury has conceded Australia’s company tax system is contributing to the nation’s poor productivity performance and hurting workers’ wages, while warning young people increasingly shoulder the pain of propping up the budget. I don't know about you, but this sounds rubbish. Even so, that's not going to change Albo's mind at the upcoming economic summit, as he is committed to only implementing the one tax policy: income taxes.” In short, Treasury’s issues paper warns of mounting tax system problems, from inconsistent capital gains and superannuation rules to a company tax rate well above global norms. With half of government revenue coming from personal income tax, younger workers face the heaviest burden as fewer over-70s pay tax. M

Data For India, a research-based service organisation that supports newsrooms in strengthening reporting and storytelling, has announced a curated learning session for journalists.  The session, aimed at helping participants use data for impactful and well-researched storytelling, is open to both new and experienced journalists, including reporters, producers, editors, and desk teams.  The event will be held on Friday, August 29, at 4 PM.  Register here to participate: https://lu.ma/r41jt04m. 

Communications consultancy and PR firm Treize Communications has been appointed PR partners for EMERGE 2025. This marks the second year of their association with Ad Tech Today’s premium property.   The PR agency will collaborate with the Ad Tech team to help them strengthen the property and strategically increase its media presence.   This year, the event will feature various sessions from industry leaders covering topics such as “Short-form Content & Commerce, “Thriving Independently: Adapting to Tech,” “Media Shifts & Competing with Giants,” “The Future of Performance Marketing,” and “Unfiltered: What It Really Takes to Run an Independent Agency Today,” amongst others.  Sonam Shah, founder and CEO of Treize Communications, said, “We are glad to partner with Ad Tech Today yet again this year for EMERGE. As an independent agency ourself, we understand the need to have a platform like this which allows a place for bold and interesting conversation

Navika Kumar, group editor-in-chief of Times Now and Times Now Navbharat, has been conferred with the Sarvottam Nagrik Sanman 2025, one of India’s most prestigious civilian honours, presented by Meghashrey Foundation. She has been recognised for her work and contribution to Indian journalism and commitment to the nation’s progress. Navika took to X to share her happiness, stating, “Honoured to be conferred with the Sarvottam Nagrik Samman. A moment of pride and a reminder to continue serving with integrity, courage and responsibility”. According to its official Instagram handle, the Sarvottam Nagrik Sanman celebrates individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Indian society in various fields, such as science, education, medicine, social work, the arts, and more. Other awardees included Padma Shri Dr Shankar Mahadevan, Padma Shri Raveena Tandon, film-maker Imtiaz Ali, Padma Shri Kumar Sanu, Padma Vibhushan Dr Anil Kakodkar, and Padma Bhushan Vijay Bhatkar among

Once a staple of Indian film journalism, Screen magazine, launched in 1951 and best known for instituting the Screen Awards, has made a comeback.  After shutting down post its 2015 acquisition by Star India, the publication has been revived in 2024 with a new digital identity. Marking its return, Screen has featured actor Shraddha Kapoor as its first-ever digital cover star, reimagining her as a classic cinema icon.  The revival blends nostalgia with modern storytelling, paying tribute to the magazine’s legacy while embracing the future of film media.

Image source: Deccan Herald, TOI and IE; Edited by Dinesh Raj M   US President Donald Trump has unleashed a fresh wave of trade turbulence by doubling tariffs on Indian imports to 50 per cent, citing India’s continued oil trade with Russia.  Hot off the Press The move, detailed in reports by The Times of India's Chidanand Rajghatta, The Hindu's T.C.A. Sharad Raghavan and Hindustan Times' Shashank Mattoo, has sent shockwaves across diplomatic and economic corridors. The new tariff, coming in two phases (one immediate, another from August 27), is framed as a response to what Trump describes as a "national security threat" linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil. However, the MEA has rebuffed this claim as "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable," highlighting hypocrisy in the US stance given its own ongoing trade with Russia, including nuclear fuel and precious metals. The Hindu's coverage emphasises the disproportionate blow to Indian exporters, especially in sectors li