Morning, welcome to both Friday and Ramadan, which began last night. And in a great piece of journalism, and in-depth coverage, and pictures too, The Sydney Morning Herald makes a major inclusive statement by covering the Muslim holy month, reporting from Lakemba. That's the Sydney suburb which earlier this week One Nation leader Pauline Hanson (who lives in Queensland...) portrayed as an unsafe, inhospitable enclave, reports Patrick Begley who has done a superb job of reporting from Lakemba this morning. In a time of rancour and even outright hate it's good to see. It's strength - like most stories - is in the people interviewed and featured, plus excellent pictures on both the front page of the print edition and two pages inside, by Sam Mooy. Great work.  Also at the SMH, an exclusive on page 1 by Angus Thomson ('Plan to protect children from toxic metals erased') is an important story. Thomson's opening para lays it bare: &quo

Geyzing-based digital media outlet Hamro Khabar Sikkim celebrated its fifth Foundation Day by felicitating eminent journalists and individuals from various fields for their contributions to society. Journalists honoured on the occasion included Puran Tamang, founder of Summit Times; D.R. Dulal, sub editor of Himali Bela; and N.B. Ghimirey, writer and founder of Sikkim Jana Khabar. They were recognised for their long standing and dedicated service to journalism. The organisation also honoured social activist Sanjay Pradhan, Dr Abhimanyu Sharma for his contribution to the health sector, Zilla Panchayat member Sagar Sharma and sportsperson Srijana Subba. The programme, held at the Community Hall in Geyzing, was attended by Narayan Khatiwada, Chairperson of the Rural Development Department, as chief guest. Speaking at the event, founder Rudra Kaushik said the platform was established to fill the gap of a dedicated digital news outlet in West Sikkim and reaffirmed its commitment to tr

A senior newspaper editor was allegedly attacked by unidentified armed men in Imphal East late on February 18. The assailants reportedly opened fire at his vehicle before physically assaulting him. According to India Today NE, Khoirom Loyalakpa, editor of the vernacular daily Naharol Thoudang, was targeted near Hatta cemetery at around 10 pm. The attackers are said to have fired two rounds at his four wheeler and then confronted and beat him at the spot. He was later admitted to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences for treatment. His medical condition has not been officially disclosed. A case has been registered at Porompat Police Station.

As part of the ongoing Mumbai Press Tour organised by the Press Information Bureau, Thiruvananthapuram, a media delegation from Kerala visited several landmark infrastructure and heritage sites in the city. The team visited Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, one of the oldest municipal corporations in the world. Officials briefed the delegation on the civic body’s administrative structure and its role in managing Mumbai’s urban infrastructure. The journalists also visited the Cleaveland Bunder Pumping Station at Worli Village, a crucial stormwater management facility developed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. The station plays a key role in mitigating flooding in the city during the monsoon season. As part of the tour, the delegation explored the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located off the coast of Mumbai. The visit highlighted the cultural and historical significance of the ancient rock-cut caves. On the infrastructure front, the delegation was b

Picture credit: PIB Assam  A media delegation from Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland held an interactive session at the headquarters of the Northeast Frontier Railway in Guwahati on Wednesday, Feb 18, as part of their ongoing five-day press tour of Assam. Senior railway officials briefed the journalists on enhanced rail connectivity, infrastructure expansion and rail based development initiatives across the Northeast region. The interaction focused on new projects aimed at improving passenger movement, freight operations and regional integration. As part of the tour, the delegation also visited the National Data Centre for the North Eastern Region. Officials provided insights into data management systems, digital infrastructure and technology driven initiatives designed to strengthen governance and service delivery in the Northeast. The journalists further explored the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its rich biodiversity. The visit offered the delegation a

Image edited by Dinesh Raj M   Amid all the cacophony and confusion at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, currently underway in New Delhi, media leaders from across the country attempted to set the media agenda for the future of AI in India and rest of the world. The event brought together senior leaders from India’s leading news houses to discuss how artificial intelligence is impacting journalism and how India needs to responsibly shape this future. International regulatory developments featured prominently in the discussion. The European Union’s AI Act, neighbouring rights frameworks in France and Germany, and Australia’s News Media Bargaining Code were cited as examples of efforts to ensure fair compensation and transparency in the use of journalistic content by technology platforms. The session concluded with a shared understanding that artificial intelligence presents both immense opportunity and profound responsibility. Laying down a nine-point charte

CRN’s flagship awards program - CRN Channel Awards - is coming down-under, CRN Australia announced last Thursday at the publication’s After Hours event held at The International in Sydney.  CRN Australia’s very first outing for The Channel Awards in Australia is to be held on September 17, and entries are already open. “This is their night where we can showcase how amazing they've been and what they've done and what they've achieved throughout the year prior,” CRN Australia Editor Athina Mallis told Influencing.  Since CRN Australia’s relaunch last April, Mallis said it was always part of the plan to bring the awards to Australia.  “They're a stalwart within this community. We've had it in the UK and in Germany. [And] they launched in Asia last year in September.” Mallis said the awards are open to anybody in the Australian IT Channel.  “We want to celebrate everyone within the channel. This is their night of nights. We want to celebrate with you.  “We