Women’s rights activist and former Maharashtra Secretary of the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) Sonya Gill died in Mumbai on Tuesday, August 25, at the age of 70. She was also a co-founder and trustee of the People’s Archive of Rural India (PARI). Gill is survived by her husband, renowned journalist P. Sainath. She reportedly collapsed during her evening walk in Mumbai, with Sainath by her side. Colleagues remembered Gill for her courage, commitment and dedication to women’s rights. During her early years, she worked extensively on women’s issues in Mumbai’s BDD chawls, Jijamata Nagar and Delisle Road. AIDWA vice-president Mariam Dhawale described Gill as a fighter who continued participating in organisational activities despite her illness. She said Gill’s death was an immense loss to the organization, The Hindu reported.  

The members of the Television Journalists Association (TVJA) Dahi Handi Pathak (group) showcased unity and sportsmanship by forming a four-tier human pyramid at Pro-Govinda League at Dome SVP Stadium in Worli, Mumbai “We aimed to showcase that traditional games can be played with unity, sportsmanship and safety in mind. Our team of journalists, photojournalists and video journalists demonstrated this,” said Uday Jadhav, president of TVJA. Taking a break from daily news coverage and the hustle and bustle of journalism, TVJA members participated in the traditional Dahi Handi celebrations. “This activity strengthened the friendship, affection and team spirit among the members,” Jadhav said.  

Thursday, 27 August 2026 #1  ·  My India  ·  Investigative SC judge writes to collegium alleging maladministration, corruption by Rajasthan HC acting CJ; CJI responds By Staff Reporter   ·   Hindustan Times (Delhi Edition)  ·  Page 13 Supreme Court judge Justice Sandeep Mehta wrote multiple letters to the CJI and collegium alleging serious maladministration, corruption, nepotism and favouritism by Rajasthan High Court acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, including selective case withdrawal, favouring influential litigants, and misuse of administrative powers ahead of his September 26 retirement. CJI Surya Kant responded publicly, acknowledging the letters but stressing that allegations against a sitting judge must be handled through established institutional mechanisms and that Justice Sharma deserves a fair hearing. The story represents the first time a sitting Supreme Court judge has written formal lett

New guidelines at Ranchi Sadar Hospital and other government hospitals in Jharkhand now require journalists to obtain prior permission before reporting in several areas, including sensitive medical zones. The administration has cited patient privacy, dignity, overcrowding and the smooth functioning of medical services as reasons for the restrictions. The move follows a boycott by journalists of a press briefing on August 25, after restrictions were placed on entry to the Secretariat. With similar restrictions reportedly extending to other public institutions, journalists' organisations are questioning whether permission-based access could become a barrier to routine reporting. "We as journalists just do our duty by bringing in facts," says journalist Sushant Soni from Jharkhand. "Today, irregularities, corruption and other issues affecting the aam janta (common people) are not brought before the public. What will the future hold? Speaking honestly and showing the truth invites on

Secret rail loop levy sparks fresh blowback for Victorian Labor A previously undisclosed levy on public transport fares has been exposed as part of the funding mix for Victoria’s Suburban Rail Loop, reigniting arguments over transparency, cost blowouts and whether the mega-project should proceed. The auditor-general’s warnings have sharpened the political stakes for Premier Ben Carroll, with critics framing the charge as a “secret tax” on commuters at a time of broader cost-of-living pressure. Covered by: The Age, Australian Financial Review, Herald Sun. Inflation surprise puts September rate rise firmly back on the table Hotter-than-expected July inflation has lifted market and economist expectations that the Reserve Bank could hike again as soon as September, extending the squeeze on mortgage holders and renters. Politically, the data risks becoming a referendum on Labor’s economic management, with some coverage explicitly linking further rate pain to voter volatility. C

Pushpa Gujral Science City organised a seminar on ‘Science Journalism: The Ethics, Impact and Reporting of Modern Science’, bringing together more than 150 young journalists, journalism students and teachers from colleges across Punjab.  Dr Rajesh Grover, Director of Pushpa Gujral Science City, stressed the role of science journalists in making complex scientific information accessible, countering misinformation and taking research to local communities in regional languages. He also urged journalists to report issues such as climate change with accurate information, hope and practical solutions.  Dr Archana R Singh, Chairperson of the School of Communication Studies at Panjab University, said science journalism helps people make informed decisions on health, environment and technology. News18 Editor Gaurav Shukla also shared insights from his journalism experience and offered tips on scientific reporting.  The semi

A PIL in the Supreme Court has challenged restrictions on journalists and other outsiders entering government schools in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, arguing that child-safety safeguards should not become blanket barriers to public-interest scrutiny. Filed by social activist Priya Mishra under Article 32 and represented by advocate Narendra Mishra, the petition challenges orders requiring prior permission to enter government schools and written approval for photography, videography, interviews, audio recording and live-streaming. The plea acknowledges the need to protect children's privacy, dignity and safety but argues that these concerns can be addressed without preventing journalists from documenting the condition of publicly funded schools. The challenge follows an August 16 circular from the Rajasthan Education Department requiring outsiders to obtain permission from the head of an institution before entering school premises. It also cites an August 19 order from the Distri