India's growth for fiscal 2025 has been slashed following a sharper-than-anticipated slowdown in economic expansion during the second quarter. Citing risk to the economic outlook and the likelihood of a rate cut by the Reserve Bank of India in February, economists now predict gross domestic product (GDP) to grow 6.1-6.8% in the year ending March 31, lower than the central bank’s forecast of 7.2%. GDP growth was the slowest in seven quarters at 5.4% in July-September, hurt by low consumption and weak investment demand, reported Anoushka Sawhney and Kirtika Suneja for The Economic Times. GDP growth in April-September was 6%, against 8.2% in the first half of FY24. The weakness in the first half of FY25 is led by a slowdown in urban demand and a decline in general government capital expenditure. Even before data released on November 29 showed that India’s economic growth had slumped to a seven-quarter low of 5.4 per cent in September, discussions within the government had questi

Michael Rowland, a staple of ABC News Breakfast for nearly 15 years, has announced his departure.  The network revealed his final broadcast is set for Friday, December 13, after which he will take a break before returning to the ABC in mid-2025 to work on new projects. Reflecting on his tenure, Rowland said, "It’s by far the best job I’ve had at the ABC," but after years of early mornings, "my body is screaming 'enough!'" He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to grow the program’s audience and shared how much he would miss the Breakfast team and its loyal viewers. Rowland’s career at the ABC began in 1987. He has held pivotal roles as a political reporter, Washington correspondent, and business journalist, covering major stories such as the US presidential elections, the Black Summer bushfires, the Gallipoli centenary, and Queen Elizabeth II’s passing. ABC director of news, Justin Stevens praised Rowland’s versatility and lasting impact on the program, while co

Television icon Paul "Fatty" Vautin is retiring from Channel 9 after a distinguished 33-year career with the network, Mediaweek reported.  Known for his humor, warmth, and love of rugby league, Vautin leaves behind a legacy of memorable live sports commentary and entertainment hosting. A former rugby league player who captained Queensland Maroons and Manly Sea Eagles, Vautin transitioned to broadcasting in 1991, joining Channel 9’s Midday Show. He soon became a key figure on Wide World of Sports and co-hosted The Sunday Footy Show from 1993. However, it was his role as the host of The Footy Show, which began in 1994, that cemented his place as a television icon. The show, a mix of sport, entertainment, and comedy, won 11 TV Week Logies and earned Vautin a Logie Award for Most Popular Sports Presenter in 2003. Reflecting on his retirement, Vautin expressed gratitude for the people he worked with and the passionate sports fans he connected with. Acting CEO  of Nine, Matt Stanto

The Brag Media, Australia’s largest creator of premium youth content and events, has appointed Neil Griffiths as the new editor-in-chief of Rolling Stone Australia, Mediaweek reported.   Currently the managing editor at Mumbrella, Griffiths will join the iconic music brand in January 2025. With over a decade of experience in media and entertainment across various platforms, he previously worked at themusic.com.au and hosted The Plug podcast.  “I have been a lifelong fan of Rolling Stone. The chance to join this iconic brand and the Australian team is a culmination of everything I have worked towards in my career to date,” he said.  The Brag Media has also promoted Jack Castles to head of NSW Partnerships. Castles, who joined in June 2023, has contributed significantly to the company’s commercial growth by securing major partnerships with brands like BYD, Paramount Pictures, and eBay. Online music editor Conor Lochrie has been promoted to deputy editor. He joined The B

In the words of the one and only Kylie Cantrall: “Christmas needs a little more red”. The first Tuesday in December means its Influencing’s Red Xmas event, which will commence at 5:30pm on the Rooftop Terrace at the Pyrmont Bridge Hotel, Pyrmont. Prior to the festivities, Influencing CEO Phil Sim will preview the amazing new video capabilities of Influencing and explain how we believe it will transform media and PR in 2025. What can you expect? A whole bunch of amazing company, lots of red, drinks, food, harbour views and, of course, Christmas Karaoke. Influencing’s Xmas party is free to attend for media and Influencing subscribers. However, this year, we are opening the event to any interested PR professionals who attend our 5 p.m. demo. If you haven’t already, please do RSVP to rsvp@influencing.com  Details: What: Influencing Christmas Party - Music, Food, Drink, Party - eat, drink & be merry! Venue: Pyrmont Bridge Hotel Address: 96 Union St, Pyrmont

Tanya Malik, Digital Editor at Bombay Times, is a storyteller at heart with a knack for blending strategy and creativity. Known for her award-winning series 'Being a Brown Daughter' and impactful campaigns like PAWSOME, Tanya weaves purpose into her work, tackling entertainment, lifestyle, and societal issues with equal passion.   1) How did you get started in journalism? I was a typical above-average student, someone who loved reading and had a knack for writing. When I stumbled upon a content writing job by chance, I thought, "Why not?" A year into it, though enjoyable, I realised something was missing—a sense of purpose, perhaps. So, I hit pause, took a breather, and went looking for what could fill that void. I randomly landed at a media house, asking for a job in news writing. "No vacancies," they said. But this time, I was determined. I practically begged for an internship opportunity. Two months of unpaid hustle later, I earned my spot on the payroll. I started small—co