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

  A group of saffron-clad Hindutva activists painted the walls of the Anandabazar Patrika (ABP) office in Kolkata saffron, raising slogans such as “Bhagwa ka apman nehi sahega Hindustan”, in the presence of Kolkata Police. The action followed controversy over an FIR filed on August 28 against ABP’s editorial team at Bowbazar Police Station, naming editor Ishani Dutta Ray and Soma Mukherjee. The FIR was linked to the newspaper’s coverage of the August 21 clashes at Jadavpur University, particularly its headline “Gerua Gundami”. A video of the protest, shared on X by journalist Ankita Mahalanobish (@onkeyta_), showed men painting the office walls while chanting slogans. The Federation of Press Clubs condemned the FIR, calling it a threat to press freedom. It stressed that the report did not target any community and demanded withdrawal of the case.  

A UK-based Malayali businessman has sent Asianet News a Rs 10 crore defamation notice, alleging the channel published false reports about him. Subhash George Manuel's legal notice disputes an Asianet News report that alleged he cheated investors in financial and business dealings and made illegal transactions worth crores of rupees through cryptocurrency, according to Reporterlive. The notice demands that Asianet immediately withdraw the reports and issue a public apology, and states that further legal action will follow if these demands are not met. Speaking to Influencing India, Sindhu Sooryakumar, Executive Editor, Asianet, said, "We have received a notice and will reply to it soon." The notice reportedly also states that Asianet's reporting has affected Manuel's business interests, reputation and personal standing, and caused him financial and psychological distress, per Reporterlive's account of the filing. This is a developing story. Influencing India has reached out to M