The News18 Rising Bharat Summit 2026, themed “Strength Within”, brought together leaders, policymakers, and industry experts for two days of discussions on India’s growth and global ambitions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India is rebuilding its manufacturing strength and shaping decisions in the AI era, citing the AI Impact Summit attended by over 100 countries. He stressed that national progress is built over generations and renewed energy has helped India reclaim its potential in the past 11 years. Union ministers Piyush Goyal, Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Jyotiraditya Scindia addressed export growth, AI trust, and 6G goals, while former Singapore foreign minister George Yeo and UK’s ex‑defence chief Nick Carter underscored India’s rise as self‑sustaining and deserving of a place among leading powers. Supported by partners including Jio Financial Services, the summit reinforced India’s image as an emerging global power, Adgully reported.

Mayor Jyoti Patil of the Hubballi‑Dharwad Municipal Corporation announced that the civic body will introduce a health insurance scheme for journalists in its upcoming budget on March 1. Speaking at a Women’s Day event at Moorusavira Mutt’s Sabha Bhavan, Patil praised journalists for their role in correcting societal flaws despite resistance. She also lauded women participants in rangoli and cooking competitions, noting that Women’s Day should highlight creativity and the many responsibilities women shoulder daily. The programme, organised by the Karnataka Working Journalists’ Association (Dharwad unit), featured competitions judged by academics from Janapada University and Agriculture University. Winners included Veena Chalagere, Anusha Kamtar, Chaitanyadevi Gudagayyanvarmath (rangoli) and Shubha Hegde, Sunanda Menasinakai, Lalita Hugar (cooking), The Hindu reported.

MLA Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi has condemned the administration’s move to block the social media accounts of local news outlets, calling it an assault on democratic principles. According to KNS, Mehdi expressed concern over restrictions placed on Kashmir Life, Greater Kashmir, and Rising Kashmir, warning that curbing lawful journalism at crucial times fuels public distrust. As reported by Greater Kashmir, he stressed the need to safeguard freedom of expression and protect independent media institutions. The decision has drawn criticism from journalists and political leaders, who argue it undermines democratic values and weakens governance credibility in the region.

The Kyle and Jackie O saga continued to enthrall Sydney newspapers this morning.  The Sydney Morning Herald ran the news front page again and then gave it a double-page spread inside. Callum Jasper, Micahel Lailo and Karl Quinn combined to report that if Kyle Sandilands wants to hold onto his $100 million contract he needs to convince his former on-air partner to return to work. However, “staff at KIIS… see a reconciliation for Australia’s highest paid radio duo as unlikely”. “Multiple sources at KIIS’parent company ARN told this masthead they were ‘overjoyed’ and ‘relieved’ by the pair’s departure”. Meanwhile, columnist Jacqueline Maley wasn’t just tearing shreds of “misoygnist” Kyle Sandilands, she also wasn’t affording Jackie O a lot of sympathy. “How many times has Jackie O stood by, giggling in collusion, as Sandilands has bulldozed someone else… woman and girl

  The Chennai Press Club (CPC) has strongly criticised members of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) for allegedly creating fake social media pages in the names of leading news channels and using them to spread false and defamatory content against journalists. In a statement, CPC warned that unless the posts are removed and the targeting of media houses stops immediately, legal action will follow. The body described the deliberate creation of multiple fake pages to attack journalists as “unprecedented, dangerous and highly condemnable” in Tamil Nadu. The Press Club urged police to act against those involved and called on TVK leader Vijay to intervene, stressing that coordinated online attacks amount to intimidation of the press and pose a serious threat to freedom of expression.

A protest at Jantar Mantar on Tuesday, February 3, held in solidarity with the Iranian people and against alleged U.S.–Israel actions, briefly turned hostile toward journalists. According to a video shared by Newslaundry, an ANI reporter’s attempt to interview participants escalated into a verbal spat, with sections of the crowd chanting “Go back, godi media” -- a slogan used by critics to describe media seen as aligned with the government. Despite the confrontation, the protest continued, with organisers reiterating opposition to reported military actions and calling for international attention. Image: ChatGPT

Image edited by Dinesh Raj M   On March 2, 2026, the Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet approved the draft Arunachal Pradesh Press Accreditation Rules, 2025. Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced the decision publicly, positioning it as a governance reform. Local press bodies, including the Arunachal Press Club and the Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists, welcomed the move as a progressive step toward transparency and professionalism, according to The Arunachal Times. At first glance, this looks like overdue housekeeping. The new rules, drafted by the IPR Department after consultations and legal vetting, introduce clear eligibility norms, renewal cycles, suspension guidelines, and a structured Accreditation Committee process. Applications must detail media type, headquarters, circulation metrics, and professional experience. There are defined revocation mechanisms and hearing provisions. Digital media is formally included. Renewals are mandated every two years. That alone ma