Author: newswriters

Dr. Pradeep Mahapatra Online gaming and bets grew parallel with spread of internet connectivity in India. However, it achieved official status as a part of mainstream entertainment only with decision to charge 28 percent ‘Goods and Services Tax’ on bets in e-gaming by GST Council in its 51st Session on August 2, 2023. Along with casino and horse-racing, tax will be charged on full value of monetary transactions in e-gaming bets. A ‘Group of Ministers’ was constituted to study the matter which submitted its first report in June 2023, but asked to review the recommendations. The second report was adopted…

Dr. Pradeep Mahapatra Censorship of cinema in India follows ‘The Cinematograph Act of 1952’. The growth of the film industry during the pre and post-independence period felt the need of a comprehensive mechanism in the national level. Since the exhibition of cinema was confined to theatres during the period, emphasis was laid upon the review of content and maintenance of exhibition formalities. However, cinema graduated to television and video formats after three decades. Within next three decades, cinema reached internet platforms. Technological developments warranted amendments to the act. Circulation of pirated copies of cinema and unauthorized exhibitions called for strict…

Amit Dutta, Executive Editor, Zee Business In today’s fast-paced and information-drive­n world, journalism plays an increasingly critical role. As guardians of truth, journalists hold the we­ighty responsibility of accurately and ethically informing the­ public. The power of the pre­ss not only lies in delivering information but also in its pre­sentation. To achieve this, journalists adhe­re to the 4 Cs of journalism — Clarity, Context, Cohe­rence, and Complete­ness. These principle­s serve as guiding lights ensuring that ne­ws is effectively communicate­d, fostering meaningful discussions, and shaping a knowledge­able society. 1. Clarity: The clarity of a journalistic pie­ce forms its foundation, ensuring its…

Views of China are broadly negative across 24 countries in a new Pew Research Center survey: A median of 67% of adults express unfavorable views of the country, while 28% have a favorable opinion. Most people also think China does not take into account the interests of other countries in its foreign policy (76%) and a median of 57% say China interferes in the affairs of other nations a great deal or fair amount. Still, attitudes toward China are somewhat rosier in middle-income than high-income countries. Across eight middle-income countries – places Pew Research Center has not surveyed since 2019…

Amit Dutta, Editor (Output), Zee Business “Journalism is printing what someone else does not want printed: everything else is public relations.” — George Orwell In today’s fast-paced media landscape, the role of journalists has become more crucial than ever before. Their ability to uncover concealed truths, present unbiased information, and provide comprehensive analysis sets them apart. At the core of this journalistic pursuit lies research, which forms the foundation of impactful news stories. Aspiring journalists must acquire mastery in the art of research not only to deliver accurate news but also to shape public opinion and inspire positive change. Let’s…

Dr. Pradeep Mahapatra Large-scale closure of local news platforms in the western hemisphere during the pre and post-Covid–19 pandemic media environment calls for the enrichment of survival strategies for trouble-ridden local journalism in the eastern hemisphere. During the past two decades, between 2004 and 2023, a total number of 2,100 local newspapers were closed and 1,800 communities lost their local news outlets in the United States of America. About 60 percent of newsroom jobs disappeared between 2008 and 2023. Technological advancements, mostly the rise of the digital ecosystem considered to be the prime reason for the disruptions in the news…

Dr. Pradeep Mahapatra Though political campaigns entered social media platforms during general elections in 2014 and 2019, the target audience remained in a low scale in India. But a Google-Kantar report indicates that the internet consumer base in the country by 2023 reached above 75 crore active users, those who practice their online presence at least once in a month. An increase in the number of internet-connected voters will naturally drive election campaigns into an online environment during general elections in 2024. Notification issued by the Government of Rajasthan for the empanelment of social-media influencers for issuing advertisements to spread…

The course on Multimedia and Content Development will be conducted from the 4th to the 11th of September. The course is being conducted by the Press Club of India and the Newswriters.in. Link for registration: https://forms.gle/Rky7xN16m5GaXeZ68 The brochure of the course is being drafted. The brochure will contain all details of the course. I will share the brochure once it is ready. The interactions will be conducted from 6.30 to 8.30 pm- two sessions of one-hour duration each. This will facilitate working professionals to participate in the course. The resource persons are senior professionals from the news and media industry.…