Increased voter turnout marked the Maharashtra and Jharkhand assembly polls (final phase) as fewer organisations preferred to stick their necks out and make predictions via exit polls.  Voters came out in huge numbers in Maharashtra’s battle of the alliances Wednesday where the turnout, according to data available at 11.45 pm, crossed 65.1 per cent — the first time since 1995 when the state witnessed a turnout of 71.69 per cent. In Jharkhand, where the JMM-led alliance is battling the BJP-led NDA bloc, the turnout was 68.45 per cent. Alok Deshpande and Vikas Pathak for The Indian Express attributed the rise in voter turnout in Maharashtra to the fierce campaign undertaken by the ruling Mahayuti and Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), and could become a key factor in a close contest. During the Lok Sabha elections, the three parties in the Mahayuti — BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP — polled an aggregate of 42.71 per cent votes, while the three key partners in the Maha Vikas Aghadi

Ben Avery, a seasoned journalist with almost 20 years of experience in the media industry, has recently embarked on an exciting new career journey as the deputy news director at Nine, he announced on LinkedIn. This move comes after a successful tenure as a senior reporter at Nine, where he had worked for over three years, covering major stories and showcasing his depth of experience in news reporting. Avery’s career has spanned continents with notable positions including his role as Europe correspondent based in London where he reported on significant international events from 2020 to 2021. His experience in Europe further solidified his reputation as an exceptional journalist, capable of delivering impactful coverage across the globe.  Before his time in Europe, Avery spent nearly a decade as a senior reporter in Adelaide, where he honed his skills and built his profile in the Australian news scene. Throughout his career, Avery has worked in various roles, including reporter

Sarah Macdonald, presenter of ABC Sydney Mornings show, announced on Thursday that her contract will not be renewed for 2025. Speaking to her listeners, Macdonald expressed her disappointment in sharing the news on air, Mumbrella reported. "I'm not going to be on the radio with you next year. The ABC has decided not to renew my contract," Macdonald said. She reflected proudly on her achievements, including increased ratings, breaking major stories, securing high-profile interviews, and leading election coverage. The decision has shocked many, including Media Watch host Paul Barry, who tweeted, "I can’t believe this. I’m hearing that #ABC has dumped Sarah MacDonald from ABC Sydney. She’s brilliant, one of the best things on radio. WTAF?"  

Corrie McLeod, founder of InnovationAus, Espresso Communications, and Innovation Advisory, says that if elected to the board of the National Press Club of Australia  - in the upcoming elections held at its AGM on November 26 - she’d work to raise Australia-wide awareness of the institution.  “It is a national institution.” McLeod said, “If I were to ask 25 journalists in Sydney and 25 journalists in Melbourne, if they were members of the press club and be a part of the network, they probably wouldn't because I think oftentimes it's seen as a Canberra thing.” “Gven the fact that it is the national press club and the calibre of speakers and discussion that take place there, I'd really like to raise the awareness of the role of the press club right across the country.” With InnovationAus having a bureau in the Federal Gallery, McLeod is also a professional member, living in Canberra for the last three years. She attests that she’s nominated herself for a board po

Bobby Naqvi, former editor of Gulf News, began his journalism on the streets of Bhopal where he covered local news, graduated to the Dainik Bhaskar group and eventually shifted to Dubai in 2000. He still considers the story that he did on Muslim parties agreeing to give up their claim on the land for construction of Ram temple where the Babri Masjid stood as his best but adds that there's more to come. In today's Spotlight, we profile Bobby Naqvi - former editor of Gulf News 1) How did you get started in journalism?   I started my career in journalism in 1993 pursuing an internship with a daily newspaper in Bhopal and then moved on to Dainik Bhaskar group. After 2000, I shifted to Dubai. 2) Can you describe your work and the stories your team most commonly works on? I do stories by myself over a variety of issues and take minimal support from the team. 3) Can you recall something about the story you consider your best so far? Yes, definitely. I broke the story of Babri Mas

Prasar Bharati is set to unveil its own OTT streaming platform at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa on November 20. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will inaugurate the platform, which will be available on Android, iOS, and as a website, according to Doordarshan. The platform will feature a diverse array of content, including archives, live TV, exclusive shows, ONDC-enabled shopping, games, and live sports. Aiming to cater to a wide audience, it will offer iconic Indian television series, award-winning films, and regional programming. Multiple media reports including The Times of India and Hindustan Times described the launch as "a significant step forward for Prasar Bharati as it broadens its scope to serve as a major player in the global digital entertainment landscape." With scalability to support up to 100 million concurrent users, the service will provide content in SD, HD, and 4K. Prasar Bharati has also partnered with Eros Now and

The G20 Summit, a major platform for global diplomacy, concluded with a mix of breakthroughs and diplomatic challenges for India. Hosted in a year marked by geopolitical tensions, the summit spotlighted critical issues like climate change, trade, and bilateral relations while reflecting on global consensus's limitations. The Times of India reported Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s "no era for war" message was conspicuously omitted from the G20 joint declaration. Furthermore, the summit avoided directly condemning Russia, focusing on broader themes of global peace and stability. The declaration did, however, send a strong signal to COP29 by emphasising the need for new climate finance goals and a phased reduction in fossil fuels, as reported by Hindustan Times. India-China Relations In a significant diplomatic engagement, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the summit, as reported by The Hindu's Suhasini Haidar. They dis