For the second year in a row, Nature’s Smriti Mallapaty has won Best Science Journalist at the Samsung Australian IT Journalism Awards.  Mallapaty’s winning entries included an account of her visit to Japan to investigate cutting-edge stem-cell therapies. Researchers there are developing a type of cell with regenerative potential that could be used to treat different types of ailments.  “This year, Japan became the first country to approve one of those therapies,” Mallapaty told Influencing. “It was a very interesting time to see the work that the Japanese researchers and companies had done, as well as some of the risks and challenges.” The other two stories she submitted focused on changes to the US science infrastructure, its funding, and the impact on researchers. Mallapaty said she was particularly focused on “diversity, equity and inclusion research, inequality research and early career researchers.”  Mallapaty s

In recognition of a lifetime devoted to journalism, 94‑year‑old Shivasharanappa Vali, Editor‑in‑Chief of Uttara Karnataka, has been selected for a Karnataka Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) award. Vali, among the senior‑most journalists in north Karnataka, has spent decades shaping regional journalism through editorial leadership and public‑interest reporting. Even at 94, his continued association with the profession reflects the enduring role of legacy journalists in a rapidly changing media landscape. The award will be presented during the 40th State Journalists’ Conference in Bidar on April 11 and 12. KUWJ said the recognition honours Vali’s long and distinguished service to journalism. A total of nine journalists from Bidar district, including Vali, will be honoured at the event.

Ramu Patil, Assistant Resident Editor at The New Indian Express, will receive the first Bhimanna Khandre Award, instituted in memory of the late freedom fighter, centenarian, former minister, and mass leader Bhimanna Khandre. The award has been established with an endowment of Rs 3 lakh by his son Eshwar B. Khandre, under the Karnataka Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ). The announcement was made by KUWJ state president Shivanand Tagadur and general secretary G.C. Lokesh. A native of Sedam in Kalaburagi district, Patil entered journalism in 1997. He has worked with The Week and Muscat Daily before joining The New Indian Express as chief reporter. With over 25 years of professional experience, he currently serves as Assistant Resident Editor. The award will be presented at the 40th State Journalists’ Conference to be held in Bidar on April 11 and 12.

The Indian sports journalism community is mourning the loss of senior cricket writer Santosh Suri, who passed away at the age of 68 on Saturday, April 4. Long associated with The Times of India, Suri was respected for his quiet dedication and deep understanding of the game. He is survived by his wife and daughter. Independent journalist Jaideep Pandey remembered him as “an incredibly simple, warm and ever‑smiling soul”, noting his extensive travels to cover Indian cricket with commitment. Tributes poured in from across the fraternity. Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Shukla said, “Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Santosh Suri. A familiar journalist and a trusted voice around Indian and UP cricket for so many years. His words carried honesty, depth and a genuine love for the game. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.”

Fuel “Mayday”: rationing fears as supplies tighten Multiple papers warn Australia’s fuel supply may not be assured beyond May, with experts and officials flagging the prospect of rationing if the Middle East conflict continues to disrupt global supply and pricing. The Sydney Morning Herald adds a policy angle, reporting NSW is using commercially sensitive industry data to plan for shortages while regulators scrutinise retailer price-reporting mismatches—signalling government is preparing for a real-world disruption, not just price pain. Covered by: Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph, The Advertiser, Courier Mail, Sydney Morning Herald, NT News. Oil shock threatens rates, recession and a new cost-of-living squeeze The Australian Financial Review leads with economists warning an oil-price spike could force the Reserve Bank into multiple rate rises, with some fearing the tightening cycle could tip Australia into recession. The same theme runs through broader analysi

  The movement of journalists into public relations is not new, but it is becoming more visible and nuanced. While better pay and fewer deadlines have long been part of the conversation, many journalists today are drawn by something deeper: the chance to shape narratives and engage with storytelling differently in a rapidly evolving media landscape. For Srishti Ghosh Shinde, PR, Communications and Public Affairs Lead at Tide India, the transition came after nearly a decade in journalism. Reflecting on her time in an English-language entertainment daily around 2016, she describes the shift as gradual rather than sudden. “It wasn’t a single moment, but a gradual realisation,” she says. “The nature of journalism was rapidly evolving, with speed becoming as critical as depth. It made me question whether I was able to contribute meaningfully in the way I wanted to.” That realisation led her to look beyond reporting. “I wanted to build narratives more holistically rather th