Image source: TOI and ABC News; Edited by Dinesh Raj M   The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin unfolded like a diplomatic theatre—three leaders in a circle, laughing for the cameras, while trade wars, border disputes, and terror strikes loomed in the background. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s huddles with Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping signalled warmth, but the subtext was unmistakable: India is caught in a tug-of-war between an aggressive Washington and an assertive Eurasia. Hot off the Press Sachin Parashar for The Times of India reported that Modi and Putin showcased rare personal warmth, riding together in Putin’s Aurus Senat limousine and holding a 45-minute private conversation before their bilateral. Modi avoided calling for a ceasefire in Ukraine but pressed for a “durable peace settlement,” even as he described ties with Russia as “special and privileged.” Putin, for his part, hailed the “positive momentum” in trade, energy, and

KBI.Media’s Destination Cyber podcast is back for a second season with a new focus and new host, as Chaahat Baghla takes over the reins.  Baghla replaces previous host, Lachlan Corne, as she completes her final semester at Macquarie University where she is studying a Bachelor of Cybersecurity.  She says the idea for her to host the relaunched podcast came from meeting KBI.Media CEO Karissa Breen at a KBI.Media Cyber Neighbourhood event. “I’d previously met [Breen] in my first year of uni when she gave a guest lecture, and when I met her at Cyber Neighbourhood, I said I was actively seeking cybersecurity projects and she told me about the podcast and gave me free rein,” Baghla told Influencing.  The new host said the season will be tailored around different cyber domains.  “There are many students who are just like me, who don't know what's available in the industry. We know a little bit from university coursework, but it doesn't cover every single thing that's pre

ABC journalist and producer Jordan Bissell - she’s previously appeared on Influencing Insider to talk about her broadcast work - is writing a book on, as she puts it, “the broader impact of our obsession with true crime, dark tourism, and everything macabre”.  The project is independent of her work at the ABC, though she says, “but incredibly supported by my gorgeous colleagues, who’ve offered so much great input and encouragement”.  Bissell, who previously covered crime for Seven Network, has most recently spoken to Stephen Jones, the only surviving biological son of People’s Temple founder Jim Jones. She talked to him about the reopening of Jonestown as a tourist destination, and what people can learn from the cult murders.  That interview was something of a coup because as Bissell reports, “Jones told me he has turned down two offers to be on the Oprah Winfrey show - instead choosing to spend years working with academics and other journalists to ensure people

Neo-Nazi takeover... Well, the black-clad extremists certainly do take over a fair bit of real estate in today's papers - the neo-Nazis' appearance at the weekend's March for Australia anti-immigration events across the country has rung alarm bells and continues to take space at most of the metro newspapers, with varying takes on the issue. Leading with a sober assessment is a front pager by Phillip Coorey at the Australian Financial Review ("Pressure on PM to clarify migration", and Coorey has another piece inside headed "Why the middle-class marched."   Clearly, the issue needs discussing, not least because there are concerns out there about what's perceived by some to be too much immigration. But some may say, just don't give the extremists any oxygen.  Over in the west, the story from Caitlyn Rintoul at the West Australian ("NAZI MARCHERS OUT OF STEP") leans on the condemnation side, with WA Premier Roger Cook quoted as saying the rallies were a disgrace and Rintoul

Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani lauded the growth and innovation focus of Network 18’s in news and current affairs business, he as well emphasized the channels commitment to credible journalism, innovative formats, and global expansion. Ambani was speaking at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Reliance Industries on August 29, 2025. He further highlighted the noteworthy growth of Moneycontrol, as India’s largest platform for business news, financial markets data, and investment analytics. “With over one million paid subscribers, Moneycontrol Pro now ranks among the top 15 subscription platforms globally, alongside heavyweights such as The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times”, he said. Speaking about Firstpost growth, Ambani described it as “India’s digital-first global view of the world”. He further remarked Firstpost exponential growth across platforms. “In May 2025 alone, it recorded more than 400 million video views, becoming the most-viewed

Veteran media strategist Shripad Kulkarni is set to launch MatheMedia, a 12-episode podcast series streaming from September 1 across YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram and Spotify. Designed as a masterclass-meets-CMO briefing, the series will feature top industry voices unpacking India’s fast-evolving media landscape. Kulkarni describes it as a deep dive into the “science and art of making sense of channel chaos,” urging the industry to rewrite outdated playbooks and embrace new rules shaped by research and collaboration.  

The Australian has announced a  slew of senior journalism appointments, including Anthony Galloway as the new Victoria political editor - he moves across from Capital Brief - Lachlan Leeming as new political correspondent covering NSW, and Max Aitchison who has been appointed banking reporter.  Editor-in-Chief Michelle Gunn said the new hires - announced on Friday afternoon - reflected the masthead’s drive to deliver deeper coverage of politics and finance.  “Anthony, Lachlan and Max bring energy, experience and a proven record of breaking big stopries, “ Gunn said.  Galloway - who was chief political correspondent at Capital Brief, took to LinkedIn a week ago to say he was leaving the publication where he has worked for two years, chiefly putting together the Political Capital newsletter.  He said, “It’s been a huge privilege to be a part of this ambitious upstart from the ground up, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved over the past two years. By m