Image source: India Briefing, PTI News and IE; Edited by Dinesh Raj M   India’s foreign minister S. Jaishankar is back in the spotlight after bluntly defending New Delhi’s decision to keep buying Russian oil despite fresh American tariffs. His argument is simple: Washington once asked India to buy Russian oil to stabilise energy markets, so the current 25 per cent penalty slapped by President Donald Trump looks not just unfair, but contradictory. Behind this clash lies a deeper story of India’s balancing act between Washington, Moscow and Beijing, while trying to shield its economy from being a pawn in someone else’s trade war. Hot off the Press The Times of India reported Jaishankar’s clear message from Moscow: the US administration had earlier encouraged India to buy Russian oil, making Trump’s latest tariff move “perplexing.” He pointed out that India also imports increasing amounts of American crude, while China remains Moscow’s top energy customer. Kal

Foundry’s ARN and Reseller News publications have launched LeadNext, a mentoring program for the Australian and New Zealand IT channel industry.  “LeadNext is a new addition to our amazing Innovation Awards program across ANZ, aimed at elevating the next generation of leaders in the IT industry,” ARN and Reseller News Editor, Julia Talevski, told Influencing.  “Prior to Covid, we ran a similar program called Emerging Leaders, which was an extremely successful platform for nurturing talent.” “Our audience has continued to provide feedback to bring back Emerging Leaders, and LeadNext is the result.  “We have some of the most recognised and respected members of our Hall of Fame who are willing to help shape and mentor the next generation of leaders in the IT industry,” Talevski said.  The program will hold two events later this year - Auckland is first up on October 9 at the Cordis, with the second on November 27 at Sydney’s Hyatt Regency.  During the two c

In an inspiring tale of entrepreneurial success, the co-founders of Man of Many - Scott Purcell and Frank Arthur - transformed a late-night side project into one of Australia's leading digital lifestyle publications.  Purcell joined our Influencing Insider live interview to chat about the birth and continuing growth and expansion of the brand.  Recently crowned Media Brand of the Year, the Sydney-based platform continues to thrive as an independent, bootstrapped business after 13 years of operation. Purcell, a former Westpac Bank employee, alongside industrial designer Frank Arthur, launched Man of Many in 2012 when they noticed a significant gap in the Australian digital media landscape.  "There wasn't really anyone publishing the sorts of stuff that we found interesting online at the time," Purcell explains. What began as sharing interesting finds over email evolved into a serious digital venture. The co-founders maintained their day jobs while dedicating their evenings to

The Productivity Commission roundtable is over. How’d it all go in the eyes of the nation’s dailies? Well, from EV drivers to super funds to artificial intelligence, and a few hundred kids with ‘mild autism’ being told to thrive elsewhere, it appears Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ reform agenda is sprawling — the only thing still missing is the productivity dividend. "Chalmers Revs Up Road User Tax" is how The Sydney Morning Herald’s Shane Wright, Paul Sakkal, Millie Muroi and Nick Newling frame Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ latest economic reform pitch. EV drivers are squarely in the headlights, with a looming road-user charge to offset dwindling petrol excise, alongside promises to streamline environmental approvals and housing developments. The subtext: the tax system is “defective” and in need of rewiring. Over in the Murdoch stables, it’s taxation city. The Daily Telegraph splashes “Incoming tax,” the Courier-Mail says, “Jim is open to tax changes,”

Doordarshan has expanded its footprint with the launch of six new channels and the upgrade of 17 existing ones since 2019. According to a press release from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), a total of 264 community radio stations have been commissioned across India since 2019, while financial assistance has been extended to 26 stations since 2020-21. In 2019, DD Free Dish (Free-to-Air Direct-To-Home) carried just 104 channels. Today, it has grown significantly, delivering 510 channels. The current lineup includes 92 private channels, 50 Doordarshan channels, and 320 educational channels. Additionally, 48 Akashvani radio channels, including FM Gold, Rainbow, and Vividh Bharati, are available on the platform. A government-commissioned impact assessment of Community Radio Stations in 2017 highlighted how they foster community engagement, promote local culture and disseminate information in rural and remote areas. Further, an impact assessment study conducted in 20

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which has been incorporating technology for seamless day-to-day operations, was recently lauded by the Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology for its efforts to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into the broadcasting sector.  According to adgully, the committee specifically appreciated the introduction of two AI news anchors, AI Krish and AI Bhoomi, by DD Kisan on May 26, 2024. It also acknowledged the ministry's "Samvad" dashboard, which provides real-time information, as well as the use of AI-powered translation tools on DD’s web portals and social media platforms.  According to the report, these AI anchors can speak in 50 languages and deliver news round the clock. They cover a wide range of topics including agricultural research, market trends, weather, and government schemes.  The committee further recommended that the ministry explore additional areas for AI integration to enhance its operation

Image source: SCO, One India and The Hindu; Edited by Dinesh Raj M   When can a governor kill a bill—and should they ever have that power? The Supreme Court is now being asked to draw the line, in a case that could redefine the balance between elected assemblies and unelected appointees. Hot off the Press Dhananjay Mahapatra for The Times of India reported that Solicitor General Tushar Mehta spent hours before a five-judge Constitution Bench explaining the governor’s powers under Article 200. According to the Centre, if a governor chooses to withhold assent to a state bill, the legislation “falls through” entirely. Mehta argued that this sweeping authority, backed by earlier Supreme Court rulings, is one of the few areas where governors act independently, without the advice of state cabinets. Krishnadas Rajagopal for The Hindu highlighted the bench’s discomfort with this position. Chief Justice B.R. Gavai pressed Mehta on whether elected state governments would then