Chalmers puts the NDIS on the chopping block ahead of a tough budget Treasurer Jim Chalmers is flagging major NDIS changes as the central lever for budget repair, arguing the scheme’s trajectory is “unaffordable” without tighter eligibility, plans and provider rules. The push is also becoming a federal–state standoff, with Canberra warning states they’ll wear billions in extra costs if they don’t sign up—making this a defining test of Labor’s reform credentials and cooperative federalism. Covered by: Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Australian Financial Review, The Australian, The West Australian. Budget jitters: tax, deficits and “stagflation” warnings collide Across the papers, the budget lead-up is framed as a high-risk balancing act: global conflict and inflation pressures on one side, and a weak fiscal position and structural deficits on the other. Coalition and industry pressure is building around possible capital ga

The Karnataka Union of Working Journalists’ has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of senior journalist Ganesh Prabhu, who passed away at the age of 61. Prabhu, who served as a correspondent for The Hindu and The New Indian Express in Udupi for several years, was known for his dedicated and consistent reporting. In a condolence message, Union State President Shivanand Tagadur described Prabhu’s passing as an irreparable loss to the fourth estate. He noted that Prabhu was an active and committed journalist who made significant contributions to the field. Tagadur prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace and extended his condolences to the bereaved family, expressing hope that they find the strength to cope with the loss. Colleagues and members of the journalistic fraternity also remembered Prabhu for his professionalism and long-standing service to journalism in the region.

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former party vice president Balbir Punj passed away on Saturday evening, marking the end of a distinguished career spanning journalism, politics and public life. Punj was regarded as a key intellectual voice within the party and had served as a Rajya Sabha MP. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute on X, calling Punj a “prolific writer, thinker and public intellectual” whose contributions to media and Parliament were “rich in facts and theory.” Modi recalled Punj’s role in strengthening the BJP among students, professionals and intellectuals, and expressed condolences to his family. Journalist Shivani Gupta described Punj as a gracious and knowledgeable figure, noting his ability to speak “the unvarnished truth” with authority. Condoling his demise, Gupta added a personal anecdote, saying, "I met him recently at an event and was, as always, instantly in awe. He had so much knowledge at his fingertips. He knew what mos

The Chennai Press Club on Sunday launched the first batch of competitive exam coaching for children of journalists under its ‘Interest-Based Competitive Exam Training Centre’ initiative. The inaugural class, held on April 19, saw the participation of around 28 students along with office-bearers of the forum. General Secretary Haseef Mohammed said, "The coaching classes are being conducted in collaboration with Aarvam IAS Academy." He added that all office-bearers were present at the inaugural session. The weekly classes will continue until September, with students being trained for upcoming TNPSC examinations as part of the initiative. President Suresh Vedhanayagam and Manikandan, among others, were present.

Zee Media Corporation Limited has announced the launch of ‘GenZ Bharat’, a social-first platform aimed at engaging younger audiences, with a 24x7 live stream set to be introduced soon. Sharing the update, CEO Raktim Das said the move marks a decisive step into the future of media, positioning GenZ Bharat as a platform built for a dynamic and expressive generation. He added that the platform aims to address the gap for young voices in mainstream discourse. The initiative reflects a broader push by Zee Media Corporation Limited to strengthen its digital and youth-focused content strategy.  

According to Data Beings, CNN-News18 led English news live viewership on YouTube across three slots in Week 16 (April 11–17), while Republic World and Times Now dominated key prime-time and late-night bands.  CNN-News18 topped the 2–3 PM (4,430), 5–6 PM (4,478), and 7–8 PM (5,151) slots, maintaining a consistent lead in daytime and early evening. Republic World surged during prime time, leading 8–9 PM with 11,534 views and 9–10 PM with 12,803, the highest recorded in the week. Times Now, meanwhile, led the 10–11 PM slot with 4,910 views, edging past CNN-News18.  Other channels such as India Today, NDTV 24x7, Firstpost, ANI News, and Mirror Now featured across slots but remained behind the top three overall.

Tripura Court has transferred the case of journalist Saikat Talapatra to Sabroom after he alleged he was not receiving a fair trial, according to Tripura News. Talapatra, who has been in judicial custody for over two years in connection with alleged defamatory social media posts under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, claimed the case against him is politically motivated. During a hearing before District and Sessions Judge Gobinda Das in Belonia, he expressed distrust in the presiding court and sought transfer of the case. Taking note of his submission and the fact that most witnesses are based in Sabroom, the court ordered the transfer while extending his judicial custody till May 30. The matter is also under review by the Tripura High Court, where a petition challenging the FIR has been filed. The case has triggered debate around free speech, judicial fairness, and political influence in the state.