With extensive experience across print, wire, and online media, Debasmita is a seasoned journalist with a flair for business, entertainment, and lifestyle reporting. Having worked with leading publications like The Statesman, Hindustan Times, and Reuters, she now oversees TOI's business pages in Tamil Nadu, combining data analysis with creative storytelling 1) How did you get started in journalism? My dad is a journalist so it came to me quite organically. I started writing for his local tabloid from the time I was in school. Eventually I wrote more as I moved to college and then it was dad who motivated me to do my Masters in Journalism and Mass Communication. Soon after I landed up as a copy editor and correspondent in The Times of India with veteran journalist and author Kingshuk Nag as my editor, mentor and guide. Thereafter there was no looking back. I worked across beats, across mediums right from print to wires to online in different organisations including Thomson Reuters,

Vadodara-based Parul University hosted its 8th Convocation ceremony on December 5, 2024, welcoming renowned journalist and editor-in-chief of Republic TV, Arnab Goswami, as the chief guest. The veteran journalist’s presence and address empowered the students to embrace the challenges ahead as they embark on their professional paths. Goswami has been a prominent figure in Indian media for nearly three decades. Other chief guests who attended the event include Badminton player Saina Nehwal, former Union Minister Smriti Irani, and Industrialist Srikant Bolla. With over 20,000 students and parents in attendance and a line-up of extraordinary personalities as the chief guests, the convocation ceremony was a grand experience for the graduating class of 2024.

Kuku FM has unveiled its latest campaign featuring Dulquer Salmaan as its brand ambassador for South India.   The partnership aims to attract listeners across the southern states, including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana by offering regional stories and audiobooks. Reflecting on the comforting tales told by his grandmother, Salmaan recalls, “With Kuku FM, I’m excited to revisit the roots of storytelling and invite listeners to embark on a journey of self-discovery and inspiration with their vast genres and collections with Kuku FM.”  “Kuku FM is doing something truly innovative by reinventing storytelling in a way that blends tradition with modernity. As someone who finds stories to be central to my craft and passion, I’m thrilled to be part of a journey that celebrates the soul of South India’s storytelling legacy while making it accessible for today’s generation,” Salmaan stated.  Lal Chand Bisu, Co-Founder and CEO of Kuku FM expre

News18 Bangla’s prime-time debate show Soja Sapta is set to feature West Bengal’s chief minister, Mamata Banerjee.   In this exclusive one-on-one session, Mamata Banerjee will share her insights on critical matters affecting the state and the nation, providing an opportunity for the public to hear directly from the chief minister on a range of important issues.   The session will also include an Open House in which guests from Kolkata will directly raise questions to the Chief Minister, promising a transparent exchange.   The show has established itself as a pivotal platform for discussions, bringing together politicians, leaders and experts to address the most crucial issues of the state.   Soja Sapta will air on News18 Bangla on December 6, 2024 at 7.00 pm.    

In a move that could transform higher education in India, the latest draft of UGC guidelines introduces several sweeping changes including a proposal to offer biannual admissions flexibility in admissions and allow students from any stream in Class 12 can now pursue any UG programme of their choice, and UG students can join any PG discipline, provided they clear a national or university-level entrance exam, such as CUET. UGC also proposes flexibility in minimum credit requirements to obtain a degree, and interdisciplinary learning opportunities through an option of pursuing two programmes simultaneously, wrote Manash Gohain for The Times of India. Two UG or PG exams could be pursued simultaneously as well. Accelerated and extended degree programs allow the shortening or lengthening of the UG programmes. The changes will come into effect once published in the gazette. Further, students can earn 50 per cent of their credits in their major discipline, while the remaining credits can

Eddie McGuire will produce two AFL programs for Seven despite his recent criticism of the network, reported Mumbrella.  McGuire’s production company JAM TV will create Sunday Footy Feast and The Wash Up, which will be part of Seven’s Sunday AFL coverage. He will also continue producing AFL programming for Nine and downplayed the significance of his move stating that his company produces shows for all networks including Seven. Speculation about McGuire joining Seven intensified when Seven’s news boss, Anthony De Ceglie, visited JAM TV’s offices. In September, McGuire mocked Seven’s move to hire Nine’s Footy Classified hosts Kane Cornes, Caroline Wilson, and Craig Hutchison, sarcastically calling it “channel copycat.”  

Simon Beaumont will return to Nine Radio’s 6PR in 2025 to host an extended Perth Today morning show airing from 9am to 1pm, according to a media release from the organisation  Beaumont, who has over 30 years of experience in Perth media, previously worked as a producer and host on various 6PR programs including Breakfast, Mornings, and Afternoons. He replaces Gary Adshead, who is moving to the ABC for a new role on Drive. Beaumont expressed excitement about reconnecting with listeners, saying, "I can’t wait to get stuck into the new program and reconnect with the listeners right across our wonderful city."  Nine Radio's Head of Content, Greg Byrnes, welcomed Beaumont's return, noting his strong local following and the new show's focus on Perth, especially ahead of upcoming state and federal elections. Beaumont's new 9am-1pm shift is part of a broader lineup overhaul for 6PR in 2025 following the departures of Julie-anne Sprague and Tod Johnston in November. Breakfast with M