Nepal flood disaster: Australians feared dead and missing Catastrophic flash floods on the Nepal–Tibet border have left dozens of Australians unaccounted for, with NSW hiker Michael Keats confirmed dead as families wait anxiously for news and authorities warn the toll could become Australia’s worst overseas natural-disaster tragedy. Papers emphasise both the human toll and the scale of the rescue effort, alongside Australia’s aid response and mounting anger in affected districts. Covered by: Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Daily Telegraph, Courier Mail, Herald Sun, The Advertiser, The Australian, NT News. Housing downturn deepens as prices slide and confidence cracks Home values fell across most suburbs over winter, with higher interest rates, tax changes and affordability pressures broadening declines beyond premium markets and showing early signs of easing rental heat. The Australian frames Sydney’s fall as potentially the sharpest annual drop in decades, raising stakes fo

Last night’s episode of Mediawatch focused specifically on Chinese state media's coverage of the Nepal/Tibert flooding crisis.  After dedicating the first half of the package to coverage of the flooding, host Linton Besser noted one example of Chinese media focusing more on Chinese President Xi Jinping’s comments on the disaster than the natural disaster. He too noted how footage from the state broadcaster focused particularly on Chinese rescuers arriving at the scene of the floods, before drone shots of the disaster and a live cross to emergency camps.  He then said, “By the evening of the second day of the crisis, China Central Television was broadcasting visions of survivors, none of whom were interviewed, as best as we can see. But the evening bulletin that night led not with the crisis but with the release of Xi Jinping’s new book”.  Video of a border crossing had circulated on Chinese social media before being censored, Besse

The Indian Journalists Association (IJA) formed its Campierganj tehsil unit in Gorakhpur at a meeting held on Sunday. Devendra Pratap Singh was unanimously elected as its president.  A large number of journalists and organisation officials attended the meeting. They discussed journalists’ interests, their problems and ways to strengthen the organisation.  After his election, Singh thanked the members and said he would carry out his responsibilities with dedication and honesty. He also promised to work for the interests and welfare of journalists and strengthen the organisation.  IJA officials said journalists were an important pillar of democracy and stressed the need to protect their dignity, safety and rights through unity and cooperation.  The meeting was attended by several journalists and IJA members, including Surendra Singh, Rakesh Kumar, Keshav Chandra Shukla, Anil Kumar, Yogendra Kumar Agrahari, Dayanand, Sunil

Former journalist Addanki Krishna alias Madhu, 45, died by suicide at his apartment in Rajam in the early hours of Saturday. He had reportedly been under mental stress due to chronic illness, financial difficulties and family problems.  Krishna, a resident of Mentipeta under Rajam Municipality, had worked as a reporter for a leading daily newspaper in Rajam for more than a decade and had established contacts in the local community.  His health deteriorated in recent years after he underwent several surgeries, including heart surgery, following which he also suffered paralysis and faced prolonged physical difficulties. His wife, Narmada, had been caring for him during his illness.  Krishna was also reportedly facing financial pressure over medical expenses and his daughter’s higher education. Property-related disputes between family members were also pending in court.  Before his death, Krishna sent an emotional mes

  Veteran journalist Babu Ansari has been appointed Rajasthan Media In-charge of the Bright Beginnings New Dawn Welfare Foundation in recognition of his contributions to journalism and social service. The foundation also honoured Ansari with a certificate of appreciation at a formal ceremony. Jyoti Mahajan, founder and director of the foundation, praised his media experience and said his involvement would help connect the organisation’s welfare initiatives with the public.  The foundation said Ansari would support its communication efforts and help promote initiatives related to education, empowerment and social welfare across Rajasthan.  Several office-bearers and members attended the event, including retired Subedar Major Vidyadhar Taterwal, who congratulated Ansari on his new role.

    The Department of Communication at the University of Hyderabad (UoH) hosted a public lecture titled “Content and Discontent: Some Questions for Journalism in the Age of Cockroach Uprising” on Friday, featuring Naresh Fernandes, Editor of Scroll.in, as the speaker.  The lecture discussed how artificial intelligence, social media algorithms and changing economic models are affecting journalism. Fernandes spoke about the shift from search-driven website traffic to social media platforms such as Instagram, which have become important channels for political and public communication.  He also discussed how social media’s focus on visual content and quick engagement can leave less space for historical context and detailed reporting. The lecture examined the rise of sensational content and “ragebait”, designed to attract attention and engagement.  Fernandes, however, said there continues to be str

Journalists and supporters staged a protest outside the District Commissioner’s office in Golaghat on August 28, demanding action over the alleged assault and confinement of journalist Devashish Saha by Forest Department officials. Saha, Assistant Secretary of the Golaghat District Journalists’ Association and a journalist with a private electronic news channel, was allegedly assaulted while reporting on the seizure and rechecking of two vehicles carrying sand and gravel on August 20. Speaking to Influencing India, Saha said, “I am overwhelmed by the support I have received from my colleagues and friends from the journalist fraternity. Their solidarity has given me strength at a difficult time. It means a lot to know that fellow journalists have stood by me and raised their voice over what happened.” According to Saha, he had gone to the Forest Department premises to seek an official response after two vehicles carrying sand and gravel were handed over to the department fo