The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Gujarat police chief over the alleged unlawful detention and torture of a journalist by the Rajkot Crime Branch last month. The Commission said it took suo motu cognisance of a media report stating that on March 22, the journalist was detained, allegedly stripped, hung upside down, and assaulted, causing serious injuries, ABP Live reported. The NHRC also noted allegations that police attempted to pressure Rajkot Civil Hospital staff not to admit the victim, while also threatening him with false criminal cases and demolition of his house. Observing that the allegations raise serious human rights concerns if proven true, the NHRC has asked the Gujarat DGP to submit a detailed report within two weeks, including updates on the investigation and the victim’s health. According to reports, the journalist, who runs an online media outlet, was admitted to hospital on March 23.

Dentsu India and IWMBuzz Media have announced a marquee multi-year strategic partnership to shape India’s evolving OTT ecosystem, spanning culture, content, and commerce. The collaboration begins with Season 8 of the IWMBzz Digital Awards, alongside the launch of the dentsu–IWMBuzz OTT Report, an industry study tracking how content is created, consumed, and monetised in India. Now in its eighth season, the awards honour outstanding creative achievement across web series, digital films, podcasts, youth content, and non-fiction, with categories covering acting, direction, cinematography, editing, music, VFX, breakout debuts, and viral performances. Under the alliance, Dentsu and IWMBuzz will lead integrated media planning, sponsorship activation, and full-spectrum marketing, while also building the platform’s knowledge ecosystem. The partnership spans three consecutive seasons, aiming to amplify national reach, drive measurable ROI for partners, and position the awards as a

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday sought responses from the Centre, Facebook and the Punjab government on a petition filed by journalist Maninderjeet Sidhu, challenging the removal of his Facebook pages over alleged copyright violations. Sidhu, an independent digital journalist, told Influencing India that the action against his platforms reflects a broader pattern targeting critical voices in Punjab. “What is happening in Punjab is different -- highlight any wrongdoing of the party and your social media page will be banned immediately,” he said. Explaining how this operates, he added, “Official social media handles of news publications are illegally flagged claiming copyright violations. When repeatedly flagged, the page gets blocked. Similarly, I was targeted.” His main Facebook page, which had over 3.5 lakh followers, was removed in March 2026. Another platform, “Lok Awaz TV,” with more than 9 lakh followers, had been taken down earlier in January. Sid

Fuel security in the spotlight as Middle East tensions bite Anthony Albanese says Australia’s fuel stocks are secure for weeks as he heads to Singapore to shore up priority supply arrangements, amid volatility linked to the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz. Several papers frame the same moment very differently: government reassurance versus warnings that reserves are critically low and the system is exposed. Covered by: Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Australian Financial Review, The Mercury, NT News. Diesel shock returns—cost-of-living and the bush feel it first Diesel prices are surging back above pre-levy-cut levels, erasing promised savings and feeding through to freight, farming and everyday prices. The coverage underscores how fuel costs are becoming a political pressure point, with regional and small-business impacts front and centre. Covered by: The West Australian, Daily Telegraph, Courier Mail, Herald Sun. Pressure builds for Australia’s stance on Ir

BJP leader Kirit Somaiya was involved in a heated exchange with local journalists during his visit to Aarey Colony to inspect alleged illegal construction. According to reports, journalists at the spot questioned Somaiya, asking, “Why raise your voice when a question is asked?” The remark further angered him, leading to demands for journalists’ ID cards and the confiscation of a mobile phone. A video of the incident has been shared by Gallinews India, highlighting the growing trend of political leaders clashing with journalists and, increasingly, confiscating their mobile phones during confrontations.